Leigh Halfpenny will start at fullback as one of 12 changes to the Wales team to face the All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday.

After fielding a second-string lineup against Georgia last weekend, coach Warren Gatland has reverted to his strongest possible starting XV for their much-anticipated clash against New Zealand.

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The two injury-enforced changes see Halfpenny and wing Steff Evans replace crocked duo Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert respectively.

Owen Williams comes in for Owen Watkin at inside centre, and Dan Bigger returns at flyhalf ahead of Rhys Priestland.

There are a host of changes to the pack. In an all-new back row, No 8 Taulupe Faletau starts alongside flanks Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball are this week’s preferred lock pairing, while props Tomas Francis and Rob Evans and hooker Ken Owens make up the new front row.

Jamie Roberts, who was initially left out of the squad, but later called up to replace the injured Jonathan Davies, has been named on the bench.

Wales – 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Steff Evans, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Owen Williams, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dan Biggar 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans.
Subs: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Cory Hill, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Jamie Roberts.

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images