Team News: Team News: Rhys Priestland picked at number 10

Wales have picked Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland at number 10 for their Rugby World Cup opening game against South Africa.

The 24-year-old partners with Mike Phillips in the half-backs as cover for injured Scarlets teammate Stephen Jones, in a team that shows three changes to the XV that beat England 19-9 at the Millennium Stadium last month.

Utility back James Hook is overlooked for kicker but replaces Lee Byrne as fullback, while Jamie Roberts continues his centre partnership with Jonathan Davies.

19-year-old Scarlets player George North retains his wing partnership with veteran Shane Williams, as Leigh Halfpenny is left on the bench.

In the pack, Adam Jones gets a start in the front row with hooker Huw Bennett and fellow Ospreys prop Paul James.

Locks Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones are flanked by captain Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate, while Toby Faletu comes in at number eight to cover for the injured Ryan Jones.

"We are going into this game looking for a win," said coach Warren Gatland. "If you get the world champions in your pool you want to play them first up and throw everything you've got at them.

"We've got the toughest group in the competition, but we know if we can come through we will be in good shape. The players have done everything we have asked of them so far, they have worked incredibly hard."

Wales: Hook, North, J Davies, Roberts, Shane Williams, Priestland, Phillips, James, Bennett, A Jones, Charteris, AW Jones, Lydiate, Warburton (c), Faletau.

Replacements: Burns, Bevington, B Davies, Powell, Knoyle, Scott Williams, Halfpenny.