DRAGONS wing Rio Dyer will win his first Wales cap against New Zealand on Saturday after being named in the XV for the autumn opener.
The 22-year-old from Rogerstone has been named in the starting line-up to face the All Blacks along with Rodney Parade teammate Will Rowlands, who gets the nod at lock ahead of legend Alun Wyn Jones.
Wales Sevens international Dyer joins Lions Leigh Halfpenny and Louis Rees-Zammit in the back three with George North fit to start in midfield after recovering from a knee injury suffered against the Dragons.
"Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly," said head coach Wayne Pivac. "He’s thriving in this environment.
"He’s a young man that’s bringing some form with him into camp. He scored some great tries and he’s full of confidence.
"That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There’s no better way to start your career so we wish him well."
Josh Adams and Alex Cuthbert, who have been struggling with hand and shoulder injuries respectively, miss out on the 23.
Rapid Dyer has started the season superbly for the Dragons with four tries in six games, including a match-winning double against the Ospreys.
The winger is on the URC leaderboard for metres run, defenders beaten and line breaks while he has shown progress with his defence and aerial game to earn an international call-up.
With captain Dan Biggar injured, Gareth Anscombe gets the nod at fly-half.
Taulupe Faletau has recovered from a calf strain to join skipper Justin Tipuric and Tommy Reffell in the back row while lock Rowlands continues his partnership with Beard.
Hooker Ken Owens returns to the Test stage as a start after a career-threatening back injury.
WALES TEAM
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets – 96 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby – 19 caps)
13. George North (Ospreys – 105 caps)
12. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 23 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – uncapped)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys – 32 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 36 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 13 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets – 82 caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Ospreys – 65 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Dragons – 21 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 37 caps)
6. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 85 caps) captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 3 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 91 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 30 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys – 41 caps)
18. Dillon Lews (Cardiff Rugby- 41 caps)
19. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys – 153 caps)
20. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 2 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets – 14 caps)
22. Rhys Priestland (Cardiff Rugby – 52 caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 33 caps)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel