NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill has been named on the bench for Wales' autumn finale against South Africa - but captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out through injury.

The flanker’s spot goes to Dan Lydiate while inspirational number eight Taulupe Faletau is named among the replacements after the former Dragons ace returned from a knee injury for Bath last weekend.

Under-pressure head coach Rob Howley sticks with the side that beat Argentina a fortnight ago with Gethin Jenkins captaining the side from loosehead.

Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones get the nod in the second row with Hill beating Jake Ball to the spot on the bench after making a surprise autumn impression to win caps against Australia and Japan.

He is joined on the bench by Sam Davies, who pips Gareth Anscombe to the back-up fly-half/full-back spot after his match-winning drop goal at the death against the Brave Blossoms.

“We were pleased with the win against Argentina so have gone with virtually the same team for South Africa,” said Howley.

“We’ve made just one change in the back-row. Sam (Warburton) picked up a bit of a stinger injury on Tuesday and isn’t quite ready so Dan comes in. Dan played particularly well against Japan so we are pleased he gets the opportunity again.

“It’s good to have Taulupe back in the squad, he will add a good impact from the bench. We are delighted with Sam, he showed individual composure and accuracy last weekend and he gets another opportunity on the bench, as he did against Australia.

“There is the tinge of disappointment in terms of performance against Japan and we want to put that right. Not only are we looking to win this weekend we want a performance to go with it.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA 

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (65 Caps)

14. George North (Northampton Saints) (64 Caps)

13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (58 Caps)

12. Scott Williams (Scarlets) (40 Caps)

11. Liam Williams (Scarlets) (37 Caps)

10. Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (50 Caps)

9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (21 Caps)

1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) (128 Caps) (CAPTAIN)

2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (44 Caps)

3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (16 Caps)

4. Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby) (70 Caps)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (104 Caps)

6. Dan Lydiate (Ospreys) (59 Caps)

7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (45 Caps)

8. Ross Moriarty (Gloucester) (11 Caps)

Replacements: 16. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (27 Caps) 17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (6 Caps) 18. Samson Lee (Scarlets) (28 Caps) 19. Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons) (2 Caps) 20. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby (61 Caps) 21. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (28 Caps) 22. Sam Davies (Ospreys) (2 Caps) 23. Jamie Roberts (Harlequins) (85 Caps)