22 Nov 2012

Gatland makes five changes for ABs match

11:47 am on 22 November 2012

Warren Gatland has made an immediate impact on his return as Wales rugby coach, making five changes for this weekend's match against the All Blacks in Cardiff.

New Zealander Gatland is back in charge for Wales' final two Tests of the European series, against the All Blacks and the Wallabies, after starting his preparatory work as coach for next year's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Changes from last week's 26-19 loss to Samoa mean starts for centre Jonathan Davies who returns from injury, first five Rhys Priestland, number eight and captain Sam Warburton, lock Luke Charteris and hooker Matthew Rees.

In Gatland's absence the Six Nations Grand Slam champions have lost both their opening Tests, against Argentina and Samoa, making it five straight losses against all opponents, and they've slipped to 8th in the IRB world rankings.