Matfield was one of several world-class players originally left behind to rest in South Africa, including back-row Schalk Burger and wing Bryan Habana.

BBC: South Africa's Butch James withdrawn from Wales Test

The Kiwi has selected a new starting front row and brings back wing Mark Jones despite a good debut from Jamie Roberts against Scotland.

BBC: Jones praise for Wales rival Hook

Woodward will be looking particularly closely at full-back Dan Scarbrough, wing three-quarters Mark Cueto and Phil Christophers, along with the back-row forwards.

BBC: Vickery out to prove point

Wales' worries increased when wing Mark Jones went off, but back-row candidate Dafydd Jones was man-of-the-match.

BBC: Scarlets 18-3 Dragons

Wing Michael Wainwright, prop Liam Higgins and back-row Ryan Clayton leave the Tigers having played over 300 games for the club between them.

BBC: Wainwright, Higgins & Clayton leave Castleford Tigers

The blunt approach has been underlined by Gatland's candid responses to questions about dropping wing Mark Jones, centre Sonny Parker and back-row replacement Alix Popham.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Louise Rickard, with 110 caps behind her at wing and full-back, is on the bench as second row cover while uncapped number eight Vici Owens and centre Adi Taviner make their first appearance on the bench.

BBC: Wholesale changes for Wales Women against New Zealand