Fringe players get chance to shine against Tonga

Ellis Jenkins has challenged his Wales team-mates to give Warren Gatland the selection headache he has requested when they tackle Tonga today.

Cardiff Blues flanker Jenkins will captain a Wales side showing 14 changes from the one that claimed a first victory over Australia in 10 years last weekend.

And with Wales’ 2019 World Cup countdown now at the 11 Tests remaining stage, it represents a golden opportunity for Jenkins and company to shine.

Wales are undefeated in the Under Armour Series so far, beating Scotland and Australia, while wins against Tonga and then South Africa next week would give them a first autumn clean sweep.

“‘Gats’ has said he wants some selection headaches for next week and going forward, and it is up to us to give them to him,” said Jenkins, who leads Wales for a second time.

“When we play the tier two nations with lots of changes, obviously there are different combinations and it can be difficult and we try and do too much too early.

“We have spoken about sticking to our guns, and it is a good test for us. They can be dangerous, especially if the game gets loose.

“We have been really encouraged by our defensive efforts over the past two weeks, keeping Australia try-less last week. Shaun (Edwards) has laid that challenge down to us, the standards we have got to maintain.”

Only lock Adam Beard remains from the starting XV against Australia, with head coach Gatland running a rule over players like debutant full-back Jonah Holmes, scrum-half Tomos Williams, prop Leon Brown and flanker Aaron Wainwright, among others, at the Principality Stadium.

Ellis Jenkins will captain Wales.