Dyer debuts as Halfpenny makes return
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22-year-old winger Rio Dyer is set to make his debut for Wales, and is joined in the back three by the returning Leigh Halfpenny as they take on New Zealand.
On the inclusion of Dyer, Pivac said: “Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly. He is thriving in this environment.
“He is a young man that is bringing some form with him into camp. He has scored some great tries and he is full of confidence.”
Halfpenny is one of a trio of Lions players who are back after long-term absences, with Ken Owens and skipper Justin Tipuric coming in at hooker and blindside respectively.
Tomos Williams edges Kieran Hardy to a scrum-half spot and with Dan Biggar unavailable, Gareth Anscombe takes the number ten shirt.
Youngster and Star Man from Gloucester‘s win against Exeter Louis Rees-Zammit is on the right wing, while veteran Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping to snatch victory in what could be his last ever game against New Zealand off the bench.
Pivac hoped the selections he had made, in particular that of his captain, would be able to match up to the pace that New Zealand would offer on the day.
“New Zealand are going to play with speed, we know that,” Pivac added.
“The roof is closed, so we are looking forward to a fast, open game, and I think Justin (Tipuric) brings that extra bit of speed to the number six jersey.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than Wales-New Zealand. We can’t wait for it.
“The players are looking forward to it and we just want the fans to get in there and be loud and really get behind the boys and be that 16th player that we know they are.”
New Zealand have made 11 changes to the team that edged Japan last Saturday, returning to a line-up far closer to their win against Australia in the last game of The Rugby Championship.
There are just three differences to the team that played that day with winger Will Jordan injured, second row Brodie Retallick suspended and blindside Akira Ioane dropped to the bench.
In Retallick’s place comes Scott Barrett at second row, meaning a fifth of the starting team comes from the Barrett family, while Sevu Reece remains at right-wing after starting there last week and Shannon Frizell stays on the blindside after a similarly solid showing against Japan.
“Playing Wales on the road always represents an exciting challenge,” All Blacks boss Ian Foster said. “We have a number of players returning to the side and we know we will need to play with a high intensity against this physical Welsh team.
“Last year the roof at Principality Stadium was open due to Covid regulations but this time it will be closed. It will ensure an amazing atmosphere for fans and players.”
Wales: Halfpenny, Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Dyer, Anscombe, T Williams; Thomas, Owens, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Tipuric, Reffell, Faletau.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Lewis, Alun Wyn Jones, Tshiunza, Hardy, Priestland, Watkin
New Zealand: B Barrett, Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke, Mo’unga, Smith De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock (capt), S Barrett, Frizell, Papali’i, Savea.
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, A Ioane, Weber, Havili, Lienert-Brown.
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