NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill has been retained in the Wales squad for Saturday's Test against Argentina.

The 24-year-old made his international bow in the loss to Australia last weekend, adding energy off the bench against the Wallabies.

He will be handed the number 19 jersey again versus the Pumas with Alun Wyn Jones returning from compassionate leave alongside Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies missing out though injury.

Centre Jamie Roberts is a high profile omission from the XV, having to settle for a spot on the bench while Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies are paired in midfield.

There are starts for Sam Warburton at blindside flanker (although Gethin Jenkins keeps the captaincy), wing Liam Williams, scrum-half Jonathan Davies and tighthead Tomas Francis.

 “We’ve made a number of changes, some of which are selection based and injury enforced but we are also able to select from a number of players returning from injury as well,” said head coach Rob Howley.

“In the backline Liam (Williams) and Jon (Davies) are both back and available and come into the side. 

"We were pleased with Leigh’s performance at full-back last week and we feel this is the best back three combination for this game. 

“Jon has recovered from his tight hamstring and will link up with Scott in midfield and it’s a blow to lose Rhys (Webb), but Gareth (Davies) is an excellent scrum half as he has shown on many occasions in the No.9 jersey and he will see it as a great opportunity. 

“We’ve made a number of changes in the pack, Tomas Francis starts at tighthead and its great to welcome Alun Wyn Jones back into the side after what has been a really tough few weeks for him and his family.

“Sam (Warburton) came through the match for the Blues well last weekend and comes into the side at blindside.

"With Sam returning, we have spoken to him and we feel its best for him to focus purely on his performance and role on Saturday, leaving the captaincy with Gethin (Jenkins).

"In terms of achievements its great to see Dan win his 50th cap and also it’s a huge honour for Gethin as he becomes the World’s most capped front-row forward.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ARGENTINA:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (63 Caps)
14. George North (Northampton Saints) (63 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (56 Caps)
12. Scott Williams (Scarlets) (39 Caps)
11. Liam Williams (Scarlets) (35 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (49 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (18 Caps)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) (127 Caps) (CAPTAIN)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (43 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (15 Caps)
4. Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby) (69 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (102 Caps)
6. Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) (67 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (44 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (Gloucester) (10 Caps)
 
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (24 Caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (4 Caps)
18. Samson Lee (Scarlets) (27 Caps)
19. Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons) (1 Cap)
20. James King (Ospreys) (9 Caps)
21. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (27 Caps)
22. Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (8 Cap)
23. Jamie Roberts (Harlequins) (84 Caps)