Welsh coach Gatland's 100th rugby Test

Welsh rugby coach Warren Gatland is set to bring up his 100th Test match in charge against Tonga at the Millennium Stadium.

Warren Gatland will take charge of his 100th Test match when Wales face Tonga on Friday at the Millennium Stadium.

The New Zealander follows in the footsteps of compatriot and former Wales, British and Irish Lions and All Blacks head coach Graham Henry, who holds the record at 142.

Gatland has reached the milestone with 38 matches as head coach of Ireland, 58 with Wales and three on this summer's Lions tour of Australia.

"His record speaks for itself," said Welsh forward Ryan Jones. "The difference in the environment, the difference in the results - we've changed beyond all recognition from before.

"Warren has done that and he's been incredibly successful. We are judged on results in professional sport and, under Warren, we've won trophies. It's been a great few years."

At the other end of the scale, winger Hallam Amos will make his Wales debut, as one of 11 changes to the side that defeated Argentina 40-6 last weekend.

The rookie was drafted into the squad following a backline injury crisis, with Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and Cory Allen joining Jamie Roberts and Alex Cuthbert on the sidelines.

Welsh assistant coach Robin McBryde expects the 19-year-old to seize his chance.

"It's a great opportunity for Hallam. He is playing alongside Leigh Halfpenny and George North. It is just a case of getting out there and showing what he can do."

Owen Williams and Ashley Beck form a new midfield partnership, while James Hook and Lloyd Williams come in the halves.

Ken Owens and Paul James are handed starts in the front row, with Luke Charteris and Ian Evans, who returns from an achilles injury, picked at lock. Jones captains the team from the back row where he is joined by Justin Tipuric and Andrew Coombs.

Tonga have never defeated Wales and go into the encounter on the back of defeats by Romania and France.

Head coach Mana Otai has made four changes to the side that lost to France, with Eddie Aholelei, Sila Puafisi, Viliami Ma'afu and Latiume Fosita all starting.


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Source: AAP


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