By Lewis Gomer

Rhys Webb and Rhys Priestland are set to be recalled as the Wales half-backs to face the physical threat of Georgia on Saturday.

Coach Warren Gatland is likely to make as many as 14 changes to his starting line-up following the opening autumn series defeat to Australia last week.

Both half-backs missed out against the Wallabies with Webb having suffered a knee injury and Priestland left out in favour of Dan Biggar.

But there is unlikely to be a return for flanker Justin Tipuric, whose hamstring injury could well also keep him out of next week’s match against New Zealand.

The new look side – which is likely to show plenty of experimentation – is set to contain only one starter from a week ago with Liam Williams moving from wing to full-back.

Owen Watkin, who won his first cap a week ago, is poised to make his first start at inside centre, with Scott Williams, who was recalled after missing out on selection for the original squad, outside him.

Alex Cuthbert and Hallam Amos are the likely wings, while the pack is also certain to feature a number of rookies, if not debutants.

Seb Davies, the Cardiff Blues second row, could feature at No.8 with the Wales management keen to try him in the back row where they see his long term future.

Dan Lydiate is likely to be picked at blindside flanker, and named as captain, with Sam Cross – another who won his first cap off the bench last week – at openside.

The front five could see Dragons prospect Leon Brown make his first start at tight-head prop, alongside Nicky Smith and Kristian Dacey in the front row.

With Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball set to be rested, there could be a new second row pairing of Cory Hill and Adam Beard, the Ospreys youngster who, like Seb Davies, made his international bow on the summer tour to Tonga and Samoa.

 

Wales (possible): Liam Williams; Hallam Amos, Scott Williams ,Owen Watkin, Alex Cuthbert; Rhys Priestland, Rhys Webb; Nicky Smith, Kristian Dacey, Leon Brown, Cory Hill, Adam Beard, Dan Lydiate (c), Sam Cross, Seb Davies.