Two Newport Gwent Dragons players have been included in Gareth Jenkins' Welsh team who face Argentina on Sunday.
Lock Ian Gough is named in the starting XV while prop Rhys Thomas is selected on the replacements bench.
Jenkins has named two new caps in this starting team and three on the bench.
Ospreys pair Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones will make debut appearances in the first team selection of Jenkins’ reign as Wales head coach.
“We’ve brought a young squad to Argentina and remained faithful to that selection policy by picking a young team with an average of just 16 caps each and just one player in Shane Williams who has made over 30 appearances,” said Jenkins. “We’re proud to be able to give the honour of a first Wales cap to both Ian and Alun who have been picked on merit and, we believe, will do a job for us out there on Sunday.
“A mention should also go to James Hook, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Thomas who have impressed us all and will undoubtedly meet the challenge of international rugby if called upon.”
Wales have beaten Argentina on six occasions and lost twice, but the historical significance of the first ever Test match to be played in the Welsh speaking Puerto Manderin carries the most weight in Jenkins’ eyes. “The experiences we have had already in Patagonia have been eye opening and we have been quite literally made to feel right at home here.
“The occasion on Sunday will be historic, but we know we must focus on the task in hand and be at the very top of our game if we are to stand a chance of beating the Pumas.”
And how easy was Jenkins first selection as Wales coach: “There are always players who give you a few headaches come selection time and this team selection was no different,” he said. “We have a talented group here and everyone of them would give their all for their country, but the key decisions were in the forwards.
“We’ve gone for Matthew at hooker in order to have a good look at him in this environment and have told Huw (Bennett) that he will be involved for Test two.
“Ian Gough as a senior player in squad will be important against a tough and physical Argentina and he boosts our lineout options, as does the selection of Ian Evans and, significantly, Alun Wyn in the back row. “Alun has played at flanker before and has been performing well for us there in training all week, but, importantly, he is a top class lineout forward who has been setting the Welsh premiership alight this season.
“We are approaching Sunday in a positive frame of mind, with a young, determined side who realise that they have a major opportunity to achieve something special on an historic day for Welsh rugby.”
Wales Team: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Jamie Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Mike Phillips (Cardiff Blues); Duncan Jones (Ospreys - Captain), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys and Swansea), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys and Swansea), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets)
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Bath Rugby), Andy Williams (Bath Rugby), James Hook (Ospreys and Neath), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues).
