Ryan Jones returns to captain Wales against Fiji
Ryan Jones will return to the Welsh team to captain the team when they play Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Friday 19 November.
Jones is one of nine changes in Welsh coach Warren Gatland’s team, as they aim to win their first Test of the Autumn International Series.
The Ospreys’ forward will play at blind-side providing Dan Lydiate does not recover from his ankle injury.
If Lydiate is fit he will start at blind-side, while Jones will move to open-side. Martyn Williams will be the unlucky player to drop out of the team if Lydiate can play.
Gatland has also made changes to the half-backs. Dan Biggar and Richie Rees replace Stephen Jones and Mike Phillips.
Aled Brew replaces the injured Shane Williams on the wing, while Andrew Bishop comes back into the centre to partner James Hook in midfield at the expense of Tom Shanklin.
Gatland has also made changes to the front five. Huw Bennett comes in at hooker and Matthew Rees is rested.
A new second row pairing of Ian Gough and Deiniol Jones will face Fiji, while Bradley Davies starts on the bench and Alun Wyn Jones is rested.
Gatland has rested a number of first team players ahead of their Test with New Zealand on 27 November.
Speaking to the press, the Welsh coach highlighted the need for his team to concentrate only on the Test with Fiji.
"We must maintain our focus this week, if we even cast an eye beyond Fiji on Friday night, to the World Cup, or even just to the game a week later [against New Zealand], we could be left counting the cost.
"We know all too well that the Fijians bring an extra dimension to their game when they face Wales, and there is no doubt they will have targeted us this weekend as a game think they can win."
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