Moriarty starts Bronze Final

30/10/2019

Wales have named their side for their 2019 Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match against New Zealand in Tokyo on Friday (November 1 KO 9am UK time) - and hand a starting spot to Dragons back row Ross Moriarty.

Head coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to his side for what will be his final match in charge, drawing to a close his hugely successful tenure as Wales coach.

Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis come into the starting side in the front-row to join Ken Owens, whilst Adam Beard returns to the starting line-up to partner captain Alun Wyn Jones.

James Davies comes into the back-row alongside Justin Tipuric and Moriarty.

Tomos Williams and Rhys Patchell form a new half-back partnership for Wales whilst Owen Watkin features alongside Jonathan Davies in midfield.

Josh Adams, who currently leads the try scoring charts at the RWC, remains in the back three alongside Owen Lane who comes in on the wing and Hallam Amos at full-back.

Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre and Wyn Jones provide the front-row replacements on the bench with Jake Ball and Aaron Shingler completing the forward contingent.

Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar and Hadleigh Parkes provide the backline cover.

Dragons back row Aaron Wainwright misses the game with a hamstring injury.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1:

1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (34 Caps)

2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (72 Caps)

3. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (21 Caps)

4. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (19 Caps)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (133 Caps) (CAPT)

6. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (71 Caps)

7. James Davies (Scarlets) (7 Caps)

8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (40 Caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (15 Caps)