Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made five changes to his starting team for their Test against the Springboks at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Rio Dyer makes his first appearance of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series having being named on the wing. Blair Murray moves to fullback with Tom Rogers completing the back three.

Sam Costelow comes in at flyhalf for his first start this November.

Christ Tshiunza is named in the second row alongside Will Rowlands following injury to Adam Beard. Taine Plumtree starts at No 8 with James Botham at blindside flanker and Jac Morgan at openside.

There are two changes among the Wales replacements: Freddie Thomas, who joins the bench as second row cover, is in line to win his first cap for Wales on Saturday. Josh Hathaway joins Rhodri Williams and Eddie James as the backline cover.

Gatland said: “Last week’s result [against Australia] hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans. Our focus now is on training and preparing well for our final game of this Autumn Nations Series.

“We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the World Champions.”

Wales are looking for their first win of 2024, having lost 11 matches in all. They come to this game having lost both matches in the Autumn Nations Series, while the Boks have won both two and will be eager to make it three, which will be for the first time since 2013.

Wales team to face South Africa:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 2 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 4 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 22 caps)
10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 17 caps)
9. Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
8. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 6 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 17 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
5. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 14 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 35 caps)
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 5 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (captain, Ospreys – 17 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 43 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 48 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – uncapped)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 22 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 4 caps)
22. Eddie James (Scarlets – 2 caps)
23. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)