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Faletau named in Wales v South Africa Clash

Newport Gwent Dragons number 8 Taulupe Faletau has been named in the starting XV to face South Africa this Saturday at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales have made three changes to their side to face South Africa on Saturday, with Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin and Liam Williams all coming into the starting XV.

Jenkins and Baldwin will link up with Samson Lee to form the same front-row that started the clash against Fiji a fortnight ago.

The rest of the pack remains unchanged from last weekend's game against the world champions New Zealand, with Jake Ball partnering Alun Wyn Jones in the second row and Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau lining up alongside captain Sam Warburton.

Ospreys half-backs Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership as do the record breaking centre duo of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies.

The only change in the back three sees Liam Williams come in for the injured George North. Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny wear 14 and 15 respectively.

"We have had a couple of changes forced upon us, with the injury to George (North) and with Paul (James) and Richard (Hibbard) returning to their clubs but we have named what we think is a very strong side," said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"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."

On the bench Emyr Phillips, Aaron Jarvis and Rhodri Jones are named as front-row cover with Luke Charteris, who made his 50th appearance against New Zealand last weekend and James King, completing the forward contingent. Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland and Scott Williams are named as the backs replacements.

WALES TEAM TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Unattached), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, Capt), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), James King (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

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