Gatland makes sweeping Wales changes as massive Bok challenge awaits

Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree have all come into the starting XV this weekend, following Wales' 52-20 thumping by Australia.

Dyer starts on the wing, with Blair Murray taking over the fullback duty from Cam Winnett. Tom Rogers completes the back three, with the Scarlets man retaining his starting shirt. Max Llewellyn and Ben Thomas once again partner up in the Wales midfield. Sam Costelow takes over the 10 shirt from Gareth Anscombe, joining Ellis Bevan in the halves.

Up front, Taine Plumtree replaces Aaron Wainwright at number eight, with Jac Morgan and James Botham retaining their spots in the back row. Christ Tshiunza comes into the starting XV in place of Adam Beard, and joins Will Rowlands in the second row. Archie Griffin, skipper Dewi Lake and Gareth Thomas once again start in the front row.

There is a potential debut for impressive Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas, as he is named on the bench, and clubmate Josh Hathaway also comes onto the bench this weekend as well.

Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams and Eddie James also feature as replacements.

"Last week's result hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans," said under-pressure boss Gatland. "Our focus now is on training and preparing well for our final game of this Autumn Nations Series."

"There were good elements that we can definitely build on going into Saturday, but we have to improve our accuracy."

"We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the World Champions."

Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Ellis Bevan, 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 James Botham, 5 Christ Tshiunza, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake, 1 Gareth Thomas

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Eddie James, 23 Josh Hathaway

READ MORE: Back in Green and Gold - Jean Kleyn embracing Bok opportunity in Cardiff