NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill will make his first start for Wales in Saturday's Test against Japan.

The 24-year-old will partner Alun Wyn Jones in the second row after making his international bow against Australia and then being an unused replacement against Argentina.

Head coach Rob Howley has made nine other changes with flanker Sam Warburton captaining the side.

Warburton moves to openside flanker and is joined in the back-row by Ospreys duo Dan Lydiate and James King while the entire front row is changed with Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin and Samson Lee starting.

Gareth Anscombe makes his first start for Wales at fly-half alongside Cardiff Blues half-back partner Lloyd Williams while Jamie Roberts returns in midfield alongside Jonathan Davies.

Alex Cuthbert replaces George North on the wing while Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny swap positions with the former at full-back. Ospreys tyro Keelan Giles is set for his first cap off the bench.

“We have made a number of changes but have named a very experienced side,” said Howley.

“Continuity and momentum is important, hence keeping the likes of Alun Wyn, Jon Davies and Sam (Warburton) in the side, but it is also an opportunity for players who were disappointed against Australia to start and for players who have been pushing on selection.

“We have made a change with Liam (Williams) moving to full-back and Leigh (Halfpenny) onto the wing. “Leigh has done well at full-back but we are giving an opportunity to Liam, it’s his favorable position, Leigh has played on the wing before they have trained well there and we want to have a look at what this option gives us.

“Japan are a much changed side from the Rugby World Cup but Jamie (Joseph) is developing his team and their recent performances echo the dangers of the RWC with their ability to move the ball wide early and they are a great counter attacking team.

“It’s important we look at our game and are clinical in what we want to do this weekend.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY JAPAN:

15. Liam Williams (Scarlets) (36 Caps)

14. Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (64 Caps)

13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (57 Caps)

12. Jamie Roberts (Harlequins) (84 Caps)

11. Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) (43 Caps)

10. Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps)

9. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (27 Caps)

1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (5 Caps)

2. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (26 Caps)

3. Samson Lee (Scarlets) (27 Caps)

4. Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons) (1 Cap)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (103 Caps)

6. Dan Lydiate (Ospreys) (58 Caps)

7. Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) (68 Caps) (CAPT)

8. James King (Ospreys) (9 Caps)

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues) (3 Caps) 17. Rhys Gill (Cardiff Blues) (6 Caps) 18. Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps) 19. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (20 Caps) 20. Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby (11 Caps) 21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (19 Caps) 22. Sam Davies (Ospreys) (1 Cap) 23. Keelan Giles (Ospreys) (Uncapped)