Wales chop and change side in final Test of Warren Gatland's twelve-year tenure

Wales have named their side for their 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against New Zealand in Tokyo on Friday.

Head coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to his side for what will be his final match in charge, drawing to a close his hugely successful tenure as Wales coach.

Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis come into the starting side in the front-row to join Ken Owens, whilst Adam Beard returns to the starting line-up to partner captain Alun Wyn Jones.

Continue reading below…

Lewis replaces tighthead prop Tomas Francis, who would have been considered for selection, but a shoulder injury sustained in Wales’ semi-final defeat to South Africa has ruled him out of contention.

Meanwhile, James Davies comes into the back-row alongside Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty, with the injured Aaron Wainwright nursing a hamstring injury.

Tomos Williams and Rhys Patchell form a new halfback partnership, while Owen Watkin features alongside Jonathan Davies in midfield.

Four departing All Blacks will get to sign off their international careers on their own terms after being named to face Wales in their final clash of the World Cup. #RWC2019 https://t.co/Ci9XDtvyiz

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 30, 2019

Josh Adams, who currently leads the try scoring charts at the World Cup, remains in the back three alongside Owen Lane who comes in on the wing and Hallam Amos at fullback.

Fellow outside backs George North and Leigh Halfpenny weren’t considered for selection after picking up respective hamstring injury and concussion complaints from the Springboks encounter.

Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre and Wyn Jones provide the front row replacements on the bench with Jake Ball and Aaron Shingler completing the forward contingent. Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar and Hadleigh Parkes provide the backline cover.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND IN TOKYO ON FRIDAY:

– With Welsh Rugby Union

In other news: