WARREN Gatland has made eight changes to the Wales team to face Fiji – with Gethin Jenkins returning to captain the side.

The loosehead came off the bench in last weekend’s 33-28 defeat to Australia but replaces Paul James in the starting line-up while skipper Sam Warburton sits out the game with the Pacific Islanders.

There is no place in the matchday squad for Newport Gwent Dragons pair Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie, leaving Taulupe Faletau as the region's sole representative.

Hooker Scott Baldwin makes his first Test start while Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris are paired in the second row, Justin Tipuric gets the nod at openside, Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland are half-back partners and Scott Williams returns in midfield, enabling George North to return to the wing.

“We have made a number of changes, but we are going out there with what we think is a strong side to take on Fiji,” said Gatland.

“The whole squad has been working very hard and were pushing for selection last week so it’s an opportunity for them to start.

“We were pleased with the performance last week and we will be looking to build on that and get the result we want this weekend.

“We have made some changes, some have been enforced due to injury but we don’t feel it weakens the side.”

Uncapped loosehead Nicky Smith, who has been in superb form for the Ospreys, is among the replacements.

Wales: Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton Saints), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues, captain), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Dan Lydiate (Unattached), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), James King (Ospreys), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), James Hook (Gloucester), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues)