Gatland rings changes for Australia Test

Wales coach Warren Gatland has made six changes to his team for Saturday’s World Cup bronze medal re-match against Australia in Cardiff.

Sam Warburton returns as captain after being sent off during Wales’ agonising World Cup semi-final loss to France and then missing the Wallabies clash through suspension.

There are also starts for centre Scott Williams, half-backs Rhys Priestland and Lloyd Williams, plus prop Scott Andrews and lock Ian Evans.

Injuries have sidelined centre Jonathan Davies, props Adam Jones and Paul James and lock Alun Wyn-Jones, while half-backs James Hook and Mike Phillips are unavailable because of commitments with their respective French clubs Perpignan and Bayonne.

The selection is highlighted by wing Shane Williams making his 87th and final Wales appearance.

Williams, who has scored a record 57 tries for his country, will retire from international rugby next weekend and his guaranteed an emotional Millennium Stadium send-off.

The 34-year-old, a former International Rugby Board player of the year, will continue his Ospreys career after stepping down from Test duty.

Wales team to play Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday: L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); G North (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); R Priestland (Scarlets), L Williams (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), S Andrews (Cardiff Blues), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), I Evans (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: M Rees (Scarlets), R Bevington (Ospreys), R Jones (Ospreys), J Tipuric (Ospreys), T Knoyle (Scarlets), D Biggar (Ospreys), A Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues).