Wales make three changes for Springboks clash

LiamWilliams

Head coach Gatland has given the nod to Liam Williams to replace the injured George North on the wing at the Millennium Stadium.

North was treated for concussion during last Saturday's 34-16 defeat against world champions New Zealand and will play no part against the Springboks, so Williams gets his chance.

The Scarlets man will be eager to make amends after he gave away a late penalty during the second Test in Nelspruit in June, which denied Wales their first away victory against the Springboks.

Gethin Jenkins and Scott Baldwin also come into the side due to the absence of Paul James and Richard Hibbard, who have returned to their clubs as the game will be contested out of the International Rugby Board Test window.

Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb have been passed fit after recovering from shoulder and groin injuries respectively.

Gatland said: "We have had a couple of changes forced upon us, with the injury to George and with Paul and Richard returning to their clubs, but we have named what we think is a very strong side.

"Last weekend was a very intense, physical encounter. The guys were disappointed but we have come in this morning, the squad are feeling fresh and the focus is looking ahead to Saturday and the test against the Springboks.

"As coaches we will be asking for the same effort, intensity and desire as last week and we want a repeat of that at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday."

Team in full: Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Aaron Jarvis, Rhodri Jones, Luke Charteris,  James King, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.

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