Jonathan Davies is set to be reunited with his fellow British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts in midfield © Getty Images

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Jonathan Davies hopes he can "deliver a performance" after recovering from injury to line up for Wales against world champions New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Davies has not played since being hurt during Clermont Auvergne's European Champions Cup victory over Sale Sharks more than three weeks ago.

But Wales head coach Warren Gatland has selected the centre at the earliest possible opportunity as a solitary change from the side beaten 33-28 by Australia earlier this month.

Davies has been reunited with his fellow British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts in midfield, while hooker Richard Hibbard also starts following his appearance for Gloucester last week that prompted Wales to seek clarity about his injury situation after they ruled him out of contention to face Fiji three days ago because of an ankle problem.

Elsewhere, post-Fiji, full-back Leigh Halfpenny has recovered from concussion to reclaim the No.15 shirt off Liam Williams, with fly-half Dan Biggar (groin) and scrum-half Rhys Webb (neck) also fit to resume action.

Up-front, Gatland parades the same pack that featured against Australia, which means Hibbard, prop Paul James, locks Jake Ball and Alun-Wyn Jones, plus captain Sam Warburton, all being recalled following a tame 17-13 victory over Fiji.

Prop Gethin Jenkins, who captained Wales against Fiji, has a hamstring strain and is not involved.

"I've worked really hard with the conditioners and physios to get fit, so hopefully I can deliver a performance," said Davies, who has been troubled by a muscle problem in his shoulder area. "You work extremely hard here if you are injured. You don't want to get injured when you are in the Wales camp because you probably get flogged more than the fit boys.

"You want to put yourself up against the best and that is what is going to happen on Saturday. Ideally, I could have had a bit more game-time coming into it, but that's how the world goes. I have to make sure I work hard, know my roles and deliver what I have to."

Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, losing 25 successive Tests, while they last defeated the All Blacks, South Africa or Australia six years ago, toppling the Wallabies 21-18 in Cardiff.

"We just have to concentrate on ourselves and make sure there is clarity on all fronts, in attack and in defence," Davies added. "Going up against the best team in the world you need that, definitely. Obviously, it's going to be very tough, but if we can get a performance for the full 80 minutes and not lose concentration, we are confident we can get a result.

"They [New Zealand] have put England away and after making 13 changes still had the strength in depth to beat Scotland. They're the best team in the world, very comfortable on the ball and very intelligent.

"They play in the right areas, they retain the ball really well and, once they get it, they keep it. It's down to us this week that when we get it, we keep it for a long period of time and starve them of possession."