Warren Gatland opts for familiar faces against New Zealand for Cardiff clash

Warren Gatland has made a series of changes to his Wales starting line-up after recalling the bulk of his first team, who pushed Australia close, for this weekend’s clash with New Zealand at Cardiff.

Coach Warren Gatland has recalled the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau and Dan Biggar, including the entire forward pack.

Two of the three backline changes are forced by injury.

Scrum-half Rhys Webb, centre Scott Williams and wing Hallam Amos are the only survivors from the XV who stumbled to a 13-6 win against Georgia.

Jones will captain the side from the second-row as Scott Williams starts at outside centre with Jonathan Davies out until next year.

"It's great to name an unchanged pack from the Australia match," Gatand said.

"We were pleased with a lot of aspects of our second half performance in that match so we are looking to build on that on Saturday.

"We have a couple of injuries in the backline but we also have players on form starting. (Wingers) Steff Evans and Hallam Amos are both on form and we are excited to see what they can do.

1. Rob Evans, 2. Ken Owens, 3. Tomas Francis, 4. Jake Ball, 5. Alun Wyn Jones (c), 6. Aaron Shingler, 7. Taulupe Faletau, 8. Taulupe Faletau, 9. Rhys Webb;, 10. Dan Biggar, 11. Steff Evans, 12. Owen Williams, 13. Scott Williams, 14. Hallam Amos, 15. Leigh Halfpenny

Reserves: 16. Kristian Dacey, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. Leon Brown, 19. Cory Hill, 20. Justin Tipuric, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Rhys Priestland, 23. Jamie Roberts