Jamie Roberts demoted to bench for clash against Argentina

Wales interim coach Rob Howley has named Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts on the bench for the upcoming clash against Argentina at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The decision comes following Wales' 8-32 defeat against Australia last weekend in which Roberts was found largely ineffective as the home team's defence were breached leading to their heaviest defeat at home in 10 years.

Wing Liam Williams, centre Jonathan Davies, scrum-half Gareth Davies, prop Tomas Francis, lock Alun Wyn Jones and flanker Sam Warburton have all returned to the Wales line-up to provide some respite for Howley. Despite, the return of Warburton, Gethin Jenkins will continue to lead the side.

Liam will replace Alex Cuthbert while Davies takes the place of Rhys Webb, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Francis returns back and has been preferred over Samson Lee with Warburton returning to strengthen the back-row.

Reflecting on his selection, Howley said: "We've made a number of changes, some of which are selection-based and injury-enforced, but we are also able to select from a number of players returning from injury.

"In the back-line, Liam (Williams) and Jon (Davies) are both back and available and come into the side. We were pleased with Leigh's (Halfpenny's) performance at full-back last week and we feel this is the best back-three combination for this game.

"Jon has recovered from his tight hamstring and will link up with Scott in midfield, and it's a blow to lose Rhys (Webb), but Gareth (Davies) is an excellent scrum-half, as he has shown on many occasions. He will see it as a great opportunity.

"We've made a number of changes in the pack. Tomas Francis starts at tighthead, and it's great to welcome Alun Wyn Jones back into the side after what has been a really tough few weeks for him and his family.

"Sam (Warburton) came through the match for the Blues well last weekend and comes into the side at blindside.

"With Sam returning, we have spoken to him and we feel it's best for him to focus purely on his performance and role on Saturday, leaving the captaincy with Gethin.

"In terms of achievements, its great to see Dan win his 50th cap, and also it's a huge honour for Gethin as he becomes the world's most-capped front-row forward."

Dan Biggar is set to make his 50th appearance for Wales while Jenkins will become the most-capped front-row forward in rugby history with his 133rd game.

Wales Team:

15. Leigh Halfpenny 14. George North 13. Jonathan Davies 12. Scott Williams 11. Liam Williams 10. Dan Biggar 9. Gareth Davies 1. Gethin Jenkins 2. Ken Owens 3. Tomas Francis 4. Luke Charteris 5. Alun Wyn Jones 6. Sam Warburton 7. Justin Tipuric 8. Ross Moriarty

Replacements

16. Scott Baldwin 17. Nicky Smith 18. Samson Lee 19. Cory Hill 20. James King 21. Lloyd Williams 22. Gareth Anscombe 23. Jamie Roberts