New Zealand-born Hadleigh Parkes in Wales XV for Springboks clash

Warren Gatland makes five changes from team beaten by New Zealand last weekend

Scarlets’ Hadleigh Parkes will make his Wales debut this weekend. Photograph: Kevin Barnes/Inpho
Scarlets’ Hadleigh Parkes will make his Wales debut this weekend. Photograph: Kevin Barnes/Inpho

New Zealand-born Hadleigh Parkes will make his Wales debut in Saturday's Principality Stadium clash against South Africa.

The Scarlets centre only completes a three-year Wales residency qualification this week, but head coach Warren Gatland has handed him an immediate opportunity alongside Scott Williams in midfield.

Parkes is one of five changes from the team beaten by world champions New Zealand last weekend for Wales’ Under Armour Series finale.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Hallam Amos, Scott Williams, Hadleigh Parkes, Steff Evans; Dan Biggar, Aled Davies; Rob Evans, Kristian Dacey, Scott Andrews; Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones (capt); Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi, Taulupe Faletau.

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Replacements: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Seb Davies, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin.