The 27-year-old Cardiff Blues back-row was one of five uncapped players chosen by head coach Rob Howley for the defence of the Grand Slam champions' Six Nations title.

Pretorius, born in Nelspruit, qualifies on residency for Wales and became available for selection last month.

The other uncapped players in the squad were Ospreys wing Eli Walker, Pretorius' fellow Cardiff back-row Josh Navidi and locks James King (Ospreys) and Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Cardiff flank Sam Warburton retained the Wales captaincy.

Wales are currently without several second rows - Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies due to injury.

Meanwhile outside-half Rhys Priestland and prop Aaron Jarvis are also sidelined ahead of the start of Wales's title defence at home to Ireland on February 2.

Former Wales scrumhalf Howley was able to recall full-back Lee Byrne, now with French club Clermont Auvergne, who has not featured in a Wales matchday squad since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and Exeter prop Craig Mitchell.

But the most heartening front row news for a Wales squad who lost all of their end-of-year Tests was the return of star prop Adam Jones from injury.

Former Wales captain Ryan Jones was also included, although he is doubtful to play against both Ireland and then France a week later because of a dislocated thumb.

"We have put together a very experienced squad and complemented that by rewarding the in-form players with a call-up," said Howley, who will lead Wales in the Six Nations after head coach Warren Gatland was seconded to the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia later this year.

"We have a group of players who know how to win big matches and have experienced success. We are adding to that players who have stood out and performed well for the regions this season."

Since completing the Grand Slam, Wales have suffered a slump that has seen them lose seven straight Tests.

Their final match of this season's Six Nations sees them at home to England, a match with extra significance as both countries have been drawn in the same pool for the 2015 World Cup in England.

Squad

Backs:

Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne/FRA), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Luke Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan/FRA), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Bayonne/FRA), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues).

Forwards:

Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter/ENG), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath/ENG), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon/FRA), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lou Reed (Blues), Ian Evans (Ospreys), James King (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, captain) Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Andries Pretorius (Cardiff Blues)

Wales' Six Nations fixtures

February 2: v Ireland, Cardiff
February 9: v France, Paris
February 23: v Italy, Rome
March 9: v Scotland, Murrayfield
March 16: v England, Cardiff

Read more on: wales | six nations | rob howley | andries pretorius | rugby

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