DRAGONS captain Cory Hill has been dropped to the bench for Wales’ autumn encounter with Australia on Saturday.

The lock started alongside skipper Alun Wyn Jones in the November opener against Scotland – his 10th Test start on the spin – but he has to be content with the role of substitute to face the Wallabies with Adam Beard handed the 4 jersey.

Warren Gatland has selected two other Dragons with Ross Moriarty starting at number eight and Elliot Dee backing up hooker Ken Owens.

Tighthead Leon Brown, a late replacement against the Scots, and flanker Aaron Wainwright, an unused sub, miss out on the 23 along with centre Tyler Morgan.

Gatland has made two other changes to his XV with England-based duo Tomas Francis and Josh Adams coming in after being unavailable last week, the former at tighthead for Dillon Lewis and the latter for Luke Morgan.

Ellis Jenkins is back from a shoulder injury to take Wainwright’s spot on the bench with Saracens full-back/wing Liam Williams and Northampton fly-half Dan Biggar having to be content with returns as replacements.

“We were pleased to get a good opening win under our belts last weekend and this Saturday is all about building on that,” said Gatland.

“With selection we wanted some continuity and to be consistent but also mindful there are a number of players who did really well for us in the summer and they need to be rewarded and have their opportunity.

“Adam (Beard) impressed in the summer as did Josh (Adams) and they deserve the chance to start.

“There is a really good balance to the team, a lot of competition which is exactly what we wanted.

“The bench is packed with quality and experience and it will be great to see them have an impact on Saturday.”