Charvis to lead Wales out

Changes forced on Ruddock

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has made six changes to his team to face Japan at the Millennium Stadium on Friday with flanker Colin Charvis recalled as captain of the side following the narrow defeat against the All Blacks last week.

Injuries and the return of regular captain Gareth Thomas, fly-half Stephen Jones and second row Gareth Llewellyn to their French clubs mean all but one of the changes has been forced on Ruddock.

In addition to the six changes in the starting line-up there are two positional switches, but this selection also means the coach has been able to pick four players - Colin Charvis, Dafydd Jones, Michael Owen and Gavin Henson - to start every Test in November.

There are also a further four players who faced South Africa in the first Test of the series, Hal Luscombe, Shane Williams, Brent Cockbain and Duncan Jones, meaning Ruddock has plumped for a strong line-up against the Cherry Blossoms.

"The RBS Six Nations is just around the corner and we need to go into our preparations for the kick-off match against England with a good performance against Japan under our belts," said Ruddock.

"Each player selected is playing for their jerseys and for a place in the starting line-up against England."

Scrum-half Gareth Cooper replaces Dwayne Peel, who moves to the bench, and Ruddock has brought in Rhys Williams at fullback for Thomas.

Ceri Sweeney renews his regional halfback partnership with Cooper in the absence of Jones.

Sonny Parker is ruled out by a wrist injury, but Luscombe returns from his knee injury to feature on the wing, with Tom Shanklin moving to outside centre to facilitate that change.

Jonathan Thomas replaces Llewellyn in the second row, while Adam Jones is down for bench duties, replaced by namesake Duncan who will be joined by Gethin Jenkins in the front row.

"We've said all along that we are looking for continuity in both selection and performance throughout the Lloyds TSB Autumn Series and the final Test against Japan is no exception," said Ruddock.

"One of our goals was to create cohesion in the team and in the squad as we build to all the Six Nations.

"Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper and Johnathon Thomas are the only players being given their first start in the series and each of them have played a significant part in the squad preparations as well as on matchday from the bench.

"That's a testament to the high value we place on a Welsh cap and the high regard in which the Welsh jersey is held within the squad.

"We will be looking to maintain and improve upon our performances against South Africa, Romania and New Zealand and play with the same high tempo, width and style which is fast becoming our trademark.

"We want to finish the series on a high and give the fans more of what they have enjoyed already."

The incentive to play themselves into the team to face England is significant, and should mean for fully committed performances from each of the Welsh players.

"Jonathan Thomas will be our lineout captain and Gethin (Jenkins) needs to be seen from the start on the tighthead side as we analyse all our options," said Ruddock.

"In the backs, even though we have lost three players the pace and potential of the back line still looks top draw and the newcomers have got all to play for in terms of selection."

Wales: 15 Rhys Williams (Cardiff), 14 Hal Luscombe (Newport-Gwent), 13 Gavin Henson (Neath-Swansea), 12 Tom Shanklin (Cardiff), 11 Shane Williams (Neath-Swansea), 10 Ceri Sweeney (Newport-Gwent), 9 Gareth Cooper (Newport-Gwent), 8 Michael Owen (Newport-Gwent), 7 Coling Charvis (Newcastle, captain), 6 Dafydd Jones (Llanelli), 5 Jonothan Thomas (Neath-Swansea), 4 Brent Coackbain (Neath-Swansea), 3 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff), 2 Mefin Davies (Neath), 1 Duncan Jones (Neath-Swansea)
Replacements: 16 Simon Jones (Newport-Gwent), 17 Adam Jones (Neath-Swansea), 18 Ryan Jones (Neath-Swansea), 19 Alix Popham (Leeds), 20 Martyn Williams (Cardiff), 21 Dwayne Peel (Llanelli), 22 Kevin Morgan (Newport-Gwent).

Kick-off: 19.00 GMT