WALES have dropped their Grand Slam winning captain Sam Warburton for Friday night's must-win clash at the Millennium Stadium with Samoa (kick-off 7.30pm).

The openside is on the bench with the in-fom Justin Tipuric replacing the flanker and Ryan Jones coming back from a shoulder injury to skipper the side from blindside after the shock 26-12 defeat to Argentina on Saturday.

Rhys Priestland has also been axed, Ospreys' Dan Biggar coming in at outside half for the Scarlets man who is also among the replacements.

And there is no room for former Newport Gwent Dragons star Luke Charteris in the starting XV although he is on the bench, Cardiff Blues' Bradley Davies preferred for the injured Alun Wyn Jones.

Loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins is a casualty after he was another who had a poor performance against the Pumas, Paul James being called on although the Toulon man is among the matchday squad.

Hooker Matthew Rees is unavailable with a calf injury while Mike Phillips is restored as first choice scrum half.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Ashley Beck, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (capt), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.