21 Nov 2014

Wales pick their best to face All Blacks

12:48 pm on 21 November 2014

Two of Wales' key players will return from injury to play the All Blacks in their Test in Cardiff this weekend.

Centre Jonathan Davies has recoverd from a shoulder injury, while Leigh Halfpenny has returned from concussion to take over from Liam Williams at fullback.

Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland.

Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

First five Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb also return from injuries with the latter taking over at halfback from Mike Phillips.

Up front Paul James returns at prop and Jake Ball and Alun Wyn Jones slot in at lock.

Gethin Jenkins was ruled out of contention by a hamstring strain so James returns at loosehead prop.

Davies, who missed the first two matches of this month's series against Australia and Fiji, is coach Warren Gatland's only change to the side that started against the Wallabies two weeks ago.

Wales beat Fiji 17-13 at the Millennium Stadium last weekend.

Gatland says it's pretty much the same side that played against Australia and it's a boost to have a few players back from injury.

He says the players are obviously excited about the opportunity to face the number one side at a packed Millennium Stadium. They've named an experienced team and are really looking forward to it.

After Saturday's match against world champions New Zealand, Wales conclude the November series with the visit of South Africa to the Millennium Stadium on November 29th.

Wales: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-Alex Cuthbert, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-George North, 10-Dan Biggar, 9-Rhys Webb, 8-Taulupe Faletau, 7-Sam Warburton (captain), 6-Dan Lydiate, 5-Alun Wyn Jones, 4-Jake Ball, 3-Samson Lee, 2-Richard Hibbard, 1-Paul James

Replacements: 16-Scott Baldwin, 17-Nicky Smith, 18-Rhodri Jones, 19-Luke Charteris, 20-Justin Tipuric, 21-Mike Phillips, 22-James Hook, 23-Liam Williams

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