CARDIFF (AFP) - Veteran lock Gareth Llewellyn has been recalled for Wales's Test against minnows Romania here Friday to act as a mentor for novice second-row partner Luke Charteris.
Llewellyn has played 90 Tests while Charteris's Test experience amounts to just the 18 minutes he had in last Saturday's agonising 38-36 defeat against South Africa.
The new second row pair replace injury victims Brent Cockbain (shoulder) and Ryan Jones (leg) in two of six changes - plus one positional - to the side beaten by the Tri-Nations champions.
Michael Owen leaves his second row berth to Charteris, 21, and takes up the No 8 spot vacated by Ryan Jones.
In the front row, prop Gethin Jenkins replaces Duncan Jones and Mefin Davies starts at hooker in place of Steve Jones.
In the backs, wing Rhys Williams replaces Shane Williams (ankle) and centre Tom Shanklin starts in place of Sonny Parker (back).
Wales coach Mike Ruddock can experiment with confidence against minnows Romania as he prepares for the far harder task of taking on the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 20.
"The rationale behind selection for this match is to firstly beat Romania, secondly work on combinations which could improve us as a team and finally to ensure we look at all options before finalising the side for the All Blacks Test and beyond," Ruddock said.
He added: "We want to have another look at Michael at No 8 and Gareth, whilst providing an experienced cool head and guiding hand for Luke, has a real opportunity to play himself into contention for the New Zealand game."
Ruddock insisted Romania would put up a fight. "There is no doubt that this is a must win match for us. Romania are a much-improved team in recent times with strong forwards and an impressive set piece and driving game.
"Its not going to be an easy day at the office for us by any means and we must continue to improve our performances."
But the evidence suggests otherwise. Last year Wales thrashed Romania 54-8 in Wrexham having beaten them at the same venue by 40-3 in 2002.
When the teams last met at the Millennium, Wales won by a mammoth 81-9 in 2001.
11/09/2004 - 21:33 GMT - AFP