Wales have lost their last nine internationals in a run that stretches back over a year that has seen Gatland’s side slip to 11th in the world rankings, one place below Fiji.
Another defeat will equal Wales’ record of 10 successive international defeats which stretches back to 2002/03 where fellow Kiwi Steve Hansen was the man in charge.
Wales open their autumn campaign against Fiji before facing Australia seven days later and finish with the visit of world champions South Africa on 23 November.
Head coach Gatland has made seven personnel changes from the side that lost to Australia in in Wales last outing at Melbourne in July, with three more positional alterations.
The front row sees Gareth Thomas at loose-head partnered by Archie Griffin and captain Dewi Lake at hooker.
Ospreys lock Adam Beard and Racing 92’s Will Rowlands return to the Wales starting line-up to add vital experience in the second row having missed the summer Tests against the Wallabies.
Scarlets Taine Plumtree’s early season form is rewarded with selection at blindside flanker, Tommy Reffell is at open-side, whilst Aaron Wainwright completes the back row at number eight.
There is a new half back pairing with Gloucester’s Tomos Williams starting at scrum-half having missed the summer tour down under due to injury. He is partnered with club teammate Gareth Anscombe who is named at fly-half and will make his first Wales appearance since the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
The is all change in the midfield as Cardiff’s Ben Thomas switches to inside centre, with Max Llewellyn of Gloucester making his third appearance for Wales this weekend.
Cameron Winnett is named at full-back to make his eighth consecutive Test start for Wales, whilst Mason Grady completes the starting XV moving to his club position on the wing.
Wing Rio Dyer misses out for the first time since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina in October 2023.
There is a six-two split among the Wales replacements. Scarlets Ryan Elias (hooker), recalled former Osprey Nicky Smith (loose-head prop) and Keiron Assiratti (tight-head prop) are the front row cover, with Christ Tshiunza, James Botham and Ospreys skipper Jac Morgan the other forward replacements.
Ellis Bevan and Sam Costelow are Wales’ replacement backs.
Head Coach Warren Gatland said:
“We have excellent competition in the squad, so it was a tough selection and there were some close calls but I think there’s a really nice balance for Sunday. We have some experienced players back alongside some exciting youngsters.
“After four matches away from home, we cannot wait to get back out in front of a home crowd at Principality Stadium. It’s going to be a fantastic occasion and we’re looking forward to getting our Autumn Nations Series campaign underway.”
Wales XV to face Fiji
Cameron Winnett, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Kieran Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, Liam Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow.
[lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
