Wales make six changes for Pool A decider with Australia

Wales have made six changes ahead of their World Cup clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday that will decide the winners of Pool A.

Both sides are locked on 13 points after going unbeaten through the pool, which has seen hosts England, Fiji and Uruguay fall by the wayside.

Head coach Warren Gatland has made six changes to his team, with a first Test start for New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe, who features at full-back, while Liam Williams returns after concussion on the wing and George North switches to outside centre as Jamie Roberts' midfield partner.

Elsewhere, prop Paul James returns from injury and replaces Gethin Jenkins, Samson Lee wears the number three shirt, Luke Charteris features at lock and skipper Sam Warburton moves to blindside flanker, with openside Justin Tipuric handed a start.

North and Warburton both make positional switches, and elsewhere, Gatland has retained an in-form half-back combination of Dan Biggar and Gareth Davies, but flanker Dan Lydiate does not feature in the match-day 23, with Gloucester's Ross Moriarty providing back-row bench cover.

The winner of the match will top the pool and face either Japan or Scotland in the quarter-finals with the losers set to come up against South Africa.

Reflecting on Lydiate's absence, Gatland said: "He got a knock on the eye last weekend.

"I spoke to him on Monday and said if we were playing in the final we would have picked you this week, but we don't want that to get any more sore.

"He was disappointed, but he understood the decision for us to rest him and make sure the eye has fully recovered. He was fit for this weekend, but just sore. Even though fit, we have decided to give him a rest."

Tipuric's promotion to the starting XV is no surprise, considering his outstanding form.

And with two specialist opensides on parade, Wales have strengthened their hand at the critical breakdown area, where Australia are a proven force, although the Wallabies will be without suspended flanker Michael Hooper this weekend.

Anscombe, whose mother is from Cardiff, was called into the squad as an injury replacement last month, and he has overcome an ankle problem himself to regain full fitness.

With strong-running wing North in the centre - he has played there previously for Wales - Newport Gwent Dragons prospect Tyler Morgan drops out.

Gatland added: "Justin deserves an opportunity. He has been outstanding in the warm-up games and when he has played. It is going to be a fierce contest at the breakdown."

And as for Anscombe's selection, Gatland said: "He is cool-headed, he brings confidence and assurance. He has pedigree of the top level and understands his role. He's slotted in really well."