Lydiate to win 50th cap v Fiji

Dan Lydiate will win his 50th Wales cap on Thursday after being named in a side that contains three changes from the XV that beat England on Saturday at Twickenham.

The back rower is one of four Ospreys in the starting line-up once again, keeping his place alongside Alun Wyn Jones, Scott Baldwin and Saturday’s man of the match, Dan Biggar.

As was the case at the weekend, they are joined on the bench by Aaron Jarvis and Justin Tipuric.

Lydiate’s back row partner, Taulupe Faletau, also wins his 50th cap.

Matthew Morgan, Alex Cuthbert and Tyler Morgan all come into the side as Wales look to record their third successive Rugby World Cup victory.

Morgan and Cuthbert form a new back-three alongside George North. National Dual Contracted Morgan, lines up at 13 alongside Jamie Roberts.

Biggar, continues his half-back partnership with try-scorer Gareth Davies.

The pack remains unchanged with Gethin Jenkins, Baldwin and Tomas Francis in the front-row. Bradley Davies and Alun Wyn pack down in the second row. Lydiate and Faletau will reach the milestone of 50 caps together in a back-row alongside captain Sam Warburton.

“It is important we build on the success and momentum from last weekend and take that into Thursday,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“Fiji have performed very well in their opening two games and they will be coming to Cardiff looking to build on that themselves.

“We have made three changes through injury but go into this game with a strong side. We are looking forward to being back at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday and having the crowd right behind us in an important World Cup fixture.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY FIJI:

Matthew Morgan (Bristol Rugby), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Capt - Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), James Hook (Gloucester Rugby).