Wales v Fiji, Millennium Stadium, November 20
Jones leads Wales against revamped Fiji
ESPNscrum Staff
November 17, 2010
Wales flanker Ryan Jones looks for support, Wales v South Africa, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, November 13, 2010
Ryan Jones returns to lead Wales © Getty Images
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Ryan Jones will lead Wales out in Friday night's Test against Fiji, with Matthew Rees having been rested for the game at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The versatile Ospreys forward missed the clash with Australia on November 6 with a calf problem but made the bench for Saturday's defeat by the Springboks.

However, Jones will start at blindside flanker against the Fijians and the former British & Irish Lion will be joined in the back-row by No.8 Jonathan Thomas and either Dan Lydiate, who is still struggling with an ankle problem, or Martyn Williams.

Elsewhere, Wales boss Warren Gatland has opted for an all-new half-back pairing, with Dan Biggar and Richie Rees coming into the side for Stephen Jones and Mike Phillips respectively. Also in the back-line, Aled Brew replaces the injured Shane Williams on the left wing, while Andrew Bishop earns a recall to the Welsh midfield at the expense of Tom Shanklin, who drops to the bench.

Meanwhile, the decision to rest Rees means there is a recall for Huw Bennett at hooker. There are also recalls for Ian Gough and Deiniol Jones, who come into the second row in place of Bradley Davies and Alun Wyn-Jones.

Fiji coach Sam Domoni has made eight changes to his side. Saracens wing Michael Tagicakibau slots into the back-three alongside Exeter's Josh Matavesi while Clermont flyer Napolioni Nalaga drops out of the 22. Toulon's Gabiriele Lovobalavu is promoted in midfield alongside Racing Metro's Albert Vulivuli.

Gloucester openside Akapusi Qera is also demoted following last weekend's 34-12 defeat to France, with North Harbour's Malakai Ravulo set to make his full debut in the back-row.

Graham Dewes also drops to the bench as Campese Ma'afu is promoted at loose-head, meaning that Wales will have to wait to get their hands on the man who knocked them out of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Scarlets prop Deacon Manu retains the captaincy. Former Leeds centre Seru Rabeni and Sale lock Wame Lewaravu have been held up in France due to visa issues.

Wales: L Byrne (Ospreys); G North (Scarlets), J Hook (Ospreys), A Bishop (Ospreys), A Brew (Dragons); D Biggar (Ospreys), R Rees (Cardiff); P James (Ospreys), H Bennett (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys); I Gough (Ospreys), D Jones (Cardiff); R Jones (capt and Ospreys), D Lydiate (Dragons)/M Williams (Cardiff), J Thomas (Ospreys).

Replacements: R Hibbard (Ospreys), J Yapp (Cardiff), B Davies (Cardiff), T Faletau (Dragons), M Phillips (Ospreys), S Jones (Scarlets), T Shanklin (Cardiff).

Fiji: J Matavesi (Exeter); M Tagicakibau (Saracens), A Vulivuli (Racing Metro), G Lovobalavu (Toulon), V Goneva (Colomiers); S Bai (Castres), N Kenatale (Tailevu); C Ma'afu (West Harbour), V Veikoso (Nadi), D Manu (Scarlets, capt), I Rawaqa (World Fighting Bulls), J Qovu (Racing Metro), S Saukawa (NEC), M Ravulo (North Harbour), S Koyamaibole (Sale)

Replacements: T Talemaitoga (Southland), G Dewes (Counties Manukau), S Kalou (Otago), A Qera (Gloucester), S Taka Veilomani, R Ratu (Aurillac), T Rawaqa (Lautoka)

Referee: Jerome Garces (Fra)
Assistant Referees: Steve Walsh (Aus), Rob Debney (Eng)
TMO: Daniel Gillet (Fra)

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