Wales hand daunting debut to Harri Deaves for New Zealand clash as All Blacks make 12 changes for Cardiff on back of heavy England defeat

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has vowed his rookie flanker Harri Deaves ‘isn’t going to die wondering’ when he makes what will be a daunting Test debut against New Zealand. 

Ospreys forward Deaves wasn’t even in Tandy’s original autumn squad, but was called up after captain Jac Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder in the campaign-opening defeat by Argentina. 

Now the 24-year-old is straight in from the off to start with the might of the All Blacks his first opposition on Saturday.

‘He’s got lots of skill and packs a punch. I love the way he’s come into the environment,’ Tandy said of Deaves. 

‘He isn’t going to die wondering. He’s very aggressive. 

‘He backs himself. When he got named, he was straight into training as if he’s been here for more than a week.’ 

Tandy has made five changes from the Wales side which beat Eddie Jones’ Japan 24-23, with Joe Hawkins replacing Ben Thomas at inside centre. 

Deaves comes into the back-row with Leicester’s Olly Cracknell out with a hamstring injury. 

Wales’ other rotations see Tom Rogers come in for the suspended Josh Adams on the wing. 

Props Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti also return to the starting side. 

The All Blacks, meanwhile, have made a mammoth 12 personnel changes from the team which was beaten comfortably by England last weekend. 

Regardless, Wales face the stiffest of tasks at Principality Stadium. 

Tandy’s side inched past Japan by just a single point in what was a first win for their new head coach. 

New Zealand boss Scott Robertson is a man under pressure after a 33-19 loss to England. 

But even with virtually a whole new starting side, his team will be too good for Wales. 

Tandy’s Wales are 35/1 outsiders. 

For his team’s final Test of the year, Robertson has rested star names Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett. 

Only captain Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and try machine Will Jordan, who switches from full-back to wing, keep their places from the team defeated at Twickenham. 

‘We do not underestimate the passion and resolve Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,’ Robertson said. 

Wales have lost 33 straight internationals to New Zealand dating back to their last win which was as long ago as 1953.