Wales make three changes for All Blacks Test

Wales have made three changes to the run-on side for the first rugby Test against the All Blacks at Carisbrook here on Saturday.

From the team who lost 31-34 to South Africa a fortnight ago, Andrew Bishop replaces fellow Osprey James Hook in the backline, while another Osprey, lock Alun-Wyn Jones pushes Deiniol Jones to the bench.

Dragons flanker Gavin Thomas regains his Welsh jersey for the first time since touring Australia in 2007, replacing Sam Warburton who, like Hook, withdrew from the tour squad because of injury after the South African Test.

On the bench Scarlets scrum-half Tavis Knoyle is in line to make his Test debut and is joined by Ospreys flyhalf Dan Biggar and fellow Scarlet Jonathan Davies in providing cover for the back line.

Ospreys rake Huw Bennett is the replacement hooker with Blues prop John Yapp, Scarlets flanker Rob McCusker and Jones completing the reserves.

"Andrew (Bishop) has been one of the form centres in Wales this year and after helping the Ospreys lift the Magners league title has been something of an unsung hero in their team," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

"Up front Gavin Thomas is an experienced flanker who knows all about what it takes to perform at international level, he and Alun Wyn (Jones) have both impressed in training and deserve their chance this weekend."

Number eight Ryan Jones will captain the side which is seeking their first win over the All Blacks since 1953, and their first win in six attempts on New Zealand soil.

"We are playing one of the best sides in the world at the moment on home soil and they don't come much bigger than this," Gatland said.

"We are determined and there is a quiet self belief creeping through the squad at the moment which makes me feel we are capable of producing a performance to be proud of against the All Blacks."

Wales (15-1)

Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Andrew Bishop, Jamie Roberts, Tom Prydie, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones (captain), Gavin Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, Paul James.

Reserves: Huw Bennett, John Yapp, Deiniol Jones, Rob McCusker, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies.