Adam Jones will win his 100th international cap in Saturday’s first Test against South Africa.
The Opsreys star has been named at tighthead by Warren Gatland as Wales start their two-Test Seris against the Springboks in Durban.
In a very experience outfit, George North has lifted fears over his fitness and will start on the wing while Dan Biggar gets the nod again at fly-half with James Hook on the bench.
Hook is joined on the bench by two uncapped players in scrum-half Gareth Davies and versatile back Matthew Morgan.
Aaron Shingler starts at openside with incumbent captain Sam Warbuton and Justin Tipuric both sidelined with injury.
“We started the tour well on Tuesday against EP Kings but it’s important we go out on Saturday and perform to the level we know we can,” said Gatland.
“A Test series in South Africa is always a tough challenge, but we are excited by it and looking forward to getting out there on Saturday.
“A lot of this side have experienced playing over here before in big games and this week is no different, it’s going to be a brilliant occasion, the atmosphere will be electric and hopefully it will be a great test match.
“As coaches we have been impressed in training over the last couple of weeks and there were a couple of tough calls to make but it’s great guys like Gareth and Matthew have a chance after putting their hands up.”
Wales: Liam Williams (Scarlets); Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys); Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, Capt.); Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Matthew Rees (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Bath), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys).