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Pretorius named in Wales team

Tokyo - Wales named eight new caps in their line-up to face Japan on Thursday as they took the chance to blood new players while senior internationals are in Australia with the British and Irish Lions.

Eighteen-year-old wing Dafydd Howells is one of four debutants in the starting team with another four on the bench for Saturday's game in Osaka, the first of a two-Test series.

Six Nations stalwarts Lloyd Williams and Dan Biggar will resume their partnership at half-back, while centre Jonathan Spratt makes his first appearance for Wales since 2009.

Harry Robinson, 20, earns his second cap on the right flank and hooker Emyr Phillips is among the newcomers. Captain Bradley Davies packs down in the second row alongside his Cardiff Blues team-mate Lou Reed.

Robin McBryde is standing in as head coach while Warren Gatland tours Australia with the Lions, with a squad including 15 of the current Six Nations champions.

"We have been impressed with training and all the boys have put their hand up to try and get into the Test team," said McBryde.

"They are eager to get out there now, pull on the jersey and show what they can do. It's a fantastic opportunity for them and they know the importance of wearing the jersey and representing our nation."

Teams:

Japan:

TBA

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Owen Williams, 12 Jonathan Spratt, 11 Dafydd Howells, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Ryan Bevington, 7 Emyr Phillips, 6 Scott Andrews, 5 Bradley Davies (captain), 4 Lou Reed, 3 Andrew Coombs, 2 James King, 1 Rob McCusker.


Substitutes: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Andries Pretorius, 20 Dan Baker, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Tom Prydie.

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