Gatland makes changes for Samoa match

Wales have only won three of their six Tests against Samoa and have twice lost to the Pacific Islanders in World Cup matches in Cardiff.

Wales coach Warren Gatland made five changes to his side for Friday's international against Samoa at the Millennium Stadium from the team beaten 19-12 by New Zealand last weekend.

Experienced scrum-half Dwayne Peel returns in place of Gareth Cooper while Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar takes over from Stephen Jones and Cardiff Blues wing Tom James comes in for British and Irish Lions flyer Shane Williams.

Up front, 21-year-old flanker Sam Warburton is set to win just his second cap after his veteran Cardiff team-mate Martyn Williams was stood down while Huw Bennett starts at hooker.

Peel was unavailable to face the All Blacks last Saturday because his club, English Premiership side Sale, were under no obligation to release him as the match fell outside the International Rugby Board's agreed 'window' for this month's internationals.

Wales have only won three of their six Tests against Samoa and have twice lost to the Pacific Islanders in World Cup matches in Cardiff.

But the teams' last meeting, nine years ago in the Welsh capital, saw Wales win 50-6.

- We've named a strong side and shown the maximum amount of respect to Samoa - said Gatland.

- They have proved to be a difficult side for Welsh teams in the past, and we don't expect the standard to be any different on Friday night - the Kiwi coach added.

- They are a tough, physical team with players featuring for some of Europe's top sides, and there is no question of us underestimating what we are up against. -

Turning to the composition of the Wales team, Gatland said - Dan Biggar is a bright prospect, and his performances at the Ospreys this season mean he fully deserves his opportunity.

- Dan is surrounded by experience with Dwayne Peel and Jamie Roberts on either side of him, which should help further his smooth transition to international rugby.

- Tom James has another chance to show us what he can do, and Sam Warburton has been knocking on the door for some time after impressing the coaches on tour to North America this summer.

- But, elsewhere, we have maintained a consistency in selection.

- We will be looking to put a performance in on Friday night that will help create the momentum to finish off this series with wins and build on what we achieved for large parts of the game against New Zealand. -

After the Samoa match, Wales complete their November programme with home Tests against Argentina and Australia.

Wales team to play Samoa in a one-off international at the Millennium Stadium here on Friday (1930GMT):

(15-1)

James Hook; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Dan Biggar, Dwayne Peel; Ryan Jones (capt), Sam Warburton, Andy Powell; Luke Charteris, Alun-Wyn Jones; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Craig Mitchell, Bradley Davies, Jonathan Thomas, Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Morgan Stoddart.