Wales v South Africa: Ellis Jenkins returns after three years out

Ellis Jenkins will make his first Wales appearance in three years against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Cardiff flanker is one of six changes from last weekend's 54-16 defeat against New Zealand.

Prop Rhys Carre and lock Will Rowlands are the other recalled forwards.

Fly-half Dan Biggar, wing Louis Rees-Zammit and centre Nick Tompkins are included in the backline, with Jonathan Davies captaining the side in the absence of the injured Alun Wyn Jones.

There are two uncapped forwards on the bench, Ulster's South Africa-born hooker Bradley Roberts and Scarlets prop WillGriff John.

Roberts, who qualifies for Wales through his grandmother from Llandysul, was a surprise call-up to the squad for the injured Elliot Dee and Ken Owens, who is still missing with a back problem and faces a race to be fit for the final autumn match against Australia on 20 November.

"If we get him (Ken Owens) right for Australia, we will be happy with that," said head coach Wayne Pivac.

"He is improving, but with a back it just takes time. It's really a race against time for Ken."

John was set to start against Scotland in March 2020, but the Six Nations fixture was postponed because of Covid-19 concerns. Cardiff prop Dillon Lewis has been ruled out through injury.

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Jenkins produced a man-of-the-match display in Wales' 20-11 victory against South Africa in November 2018 before suffering a serious knee injury in the final minute.

The 28-year-old missed 26 months of action before finally returning for Cardiff in February 2021.

He will replace the injured Ross Moriarty, who was forced off the field in the first half against New Zealand and is facing months on the sidelines.

"For Ellis to come back now and be playing against the same opponent, it's going to be a special day for him," said Pivac.

"I'm sure he is going to relish getting out there. He's a motivated young man to come out the other end of what he has had to go through and he's had a few setbacks along the way.

"I've had a similar injury myself and know what it's like, it's not pleasant and a long, hard slog. He's a very intelligent rugby player, knows what he wants to get out of the game and what he can offer.

"He was smart enough not to come back until he felt he could contribute at the top level of the game. He's probably got two years of watching and frustration and will be excited to get out there."

In the pack, Carre starts instead of British and Irish Lions Test prop Wyn Jones, who drops to the replacements bench, while hooker Ryan Elias again starts.

"We thought Rhys did well coming off the bench (against New Zealand)," added Pivac.

"We know South Africa have a strong starting front-row and a very strong finishing front-row.

"We could have gone either way really. It's a reward for Rhys and we're just doing it the other way around this week."

Dragons lock Rowlands is named alongside Adam Beard with captain Jones also facing months on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury against the All Blacks.

England-based trio Biggar, Rees-Zammit and Tompkins return to the starting side after being unavailable for the New Zealand match because it was scheduled outside World Rugby's international window.

Gloucester wing Rees-Zammit comes in for Owen Lane, Northampton fly-half Biggar replaces Gareth Anscombe and Tompkins is preferred at centre to Johnny Williams, who scored Wales' only try against the All Blacks.

"We feel he (Tompkins) is an in-form player," said Pivac.

"He's been in great form for Saracens. He's come into training and he's been impressive in the short amount of time he's been with us.

"We want to see him in there and we're looking forward to seeing how he goes."

Scarlets full-back Liam Williams is among the replacements as he prepares for his first game of the season after having his appendix removed.

"South Africa coming to town, as world champions, offers a different challenge to New Zealand," said Pivac.

"They've got a massive forward pack, they're big across the park really, and they bring a huge aerial threat.

"It's a big Test match and we need to get what we think is the best side out there. We're looking forward to having this side out there on the weekend and it'll be interesting to see how we go."

Wales: Johnny McNicholl; Louis Rees-Zammit, Jonathan Davies (capt), Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Ellis Jenkins, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Bradley Roberts, Wyn Jones, WillGriff John, Ben Carter, Seb Davies, Gareth Davies, Gareth Anscombe, Liam Williams.

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