Francis starts against Springboks

By Mark Stevens
22/11/18

Exeter Chiefs forward Tomas Francis returns to the Wales starting line-up ahead of their final Under Armour Series clash against South Africa on Saturday (5:20pm).

The tight-head prop is one of 14 changes Head Coach Warren Gatland has made to his team following last weekend’s comprehensive 74-24 victory over Tonga.

Also included from the outset in Cardiff will be Liam Williams, who having won his 50th cap a week ago, replaces full-back Leigh Halfpenny who has been ruled out with concussion.

"We have rewarded the team that faced Australia with another start this weekend," said Gatland."Leigh (Halfpenny) misses out with concussion but it's a great opportunity for Liam (Williams) at full-back.

"We are really pleased with how the bench has gone in the first three games so we will be looking for that impact again on Saturday.

"There were a lot of tough selection calls, but that is what we want. The team that played last week was hugely impressive and there are some disappointed boys who miss out. We want to end the campaign with a big performance against a very good South African side."

WALES SQUAD TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA 

15. Liam Williams (50 Caps)
14. George North (78 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (67 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (10 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (5 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (20 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (35 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (23 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (59 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (35 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (7 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (119 Caps, capt) 
6. Dan Lydiate (64 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (59 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (25 Caps)

16. Elliot Dee (12 Caps)
17. Rob Evans (30 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (7 Caps)
19. Cory Hill (21 Caps)
20. Ellis Jenkins (10 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (5 Caps)
22. Dan Biggar (64 Caps)
23. Owen Watkin (7 Caps)