Warren Gatland has introduced three uncapped players to his Wales’ autumn 2013 squad.
Six Nations Champions 2012/13
Those named are Scarlets scrum-half Rhodri Williams, Cardiff Blues centre Cory Allen and Ospreys wing Eli Walker. He has also called
Perpignan utility back James Hook and lock team-mate Luke Charteris and Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland as well.
The Wales 2013 autumn international dates are 9 November: Wales v South Africa, 16 November Wales v Argentina, 22 November: Wales v Tonga and 30 November: Wales v Australia. Of these fixtures we do not think they will win the first game against South Africa but are likely to win the others.
Lions captain Sam Warburton takes back the captaincy from fellow Blue Bradley Davies, who led the team in Japan.
Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips is retained given that his hooking rival Matthew Rees, is out as he is scheduled to undergo testicular surgery.
Regarding his squad Warren Gatland said: “We have an important campaign ahead as we look to test ourselves against some of the best sides in the world but also add strength in depth to our squad as we look to the future. We face a huge game against South Africa first up and they will be coming to us after an impressive Rugby Championship campaign. Recent matches between us have been very close and physical and that will be a great test for us to kick-off. All four matches will be a stern test but we are looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to seeing what we can do on this stage. The Rugby World Cup is less than two years away, so we are looking to build as much depth in our squad as possible and to give vital international experience to our players.”
Wales Squad
Forwards: Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (capt, Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro).
Backs: Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Patchell (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Jon Davies (Scarlets), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Owen Williams (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), George North (Northampton Saints), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets).