Wales coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to the team that beat England last week to play Argentina in a final World Cup warm-up match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Veteran Blues flank Martyn Williams comes into the back row in place of Sam Warburton, while Ospreys loose forward Ryan Jones captains his national side from No.8 for a record equalling 28th time (alongside Ieuan Evans).

Williams will win his 99th cap, taking him a step closer to the all time appearance total record of 100, held jointly by Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones, although Jones could steal the limelight if he appears from the bench to break clear with 101 caps.

Dragons flank Dan Lydiate retains his place on the side of the scrum, with club teammate Toby Faletau being rested.

British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones joins hooker Richard Hibbard, who completes his return from shoulder surgery, and Paul James in an all-Ospreys front row, while Blues lock Bradley Davies returns to the boilerhouse alongside Alun Wyn Jones.

There are four changes in the backs with Clermont fullback Lee Byrne and Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny both returning to full fitness.

Jonathan Davies replaces the injured Gavin Henson and is re-united with Jamie Roberts in the centre, although it is Roberts who will fill the inside centre berth.

Scarlets scrumhalf Tavis Knoyle is handed his first start in the warm-up matches ahead of Bayonne-bound Mike Phillips, with Lloyd Williams  providing specialist cover from the bench and set to win his first cap.

James Hook takes over at flyhalf, replacing the injured Rhys Priestland, after starting at fullback last weekend.

On the bench uncapped Ospreys flank Justin Tipuric has another chance to make his Millennium Stadium debut and Andy Powell will hope to have a chance to impress if called upon.

"Criteria for selection has been about putting together a side to win the game, but also about giving some players the opportunity to impress and, therefore, bid for selection for the world Cup," said Warren Gatland.

"In some areas we are also looking at combinations with that opening game against South Africa on September 11 always kept in mind.

"Beating the Pumas on Saturday would also mean we retain that all important winning momentum going into the World Cup.

"But there are still many places up for grabs on that plane to New Zealand and the players all know they need to perform against the Pumas in order to further their own as well as the national cause."

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 James Hook, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Andy Powell, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Aled Brew.

Date: Saturday, August 20
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.30 (13.30 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzere (France), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
TMO: Graham Warren (England)

AFP