Wales recall Lydiate for World Cup quarter-final against Springboks

Wales have recalled flanker Dan Lydiate for their World Cup quarter-final against South Africa on Saturday.

Lydiate slots into the back-row for the Twickenham clash in place of Justin Tipuric.

Wales captain Sam Warburton moves across from blindside to openside flanker.

Renowned for his tackling, Lydiate is likely to have a gruelling match against the ever-physical Springboks.

He was one of three changes announced by Wales coach Warren Gatland on Thursday to the team that started the 15-6 defeat by Australia in last weekend's Pool A decider at Twickenham.

Tyler Morgan comes in at centre to partner Jamie Roberts in midfield as George North returns to the wing -- Liam Williams having been ruled out of the tournament because of injury -- while prop Gethin Jenkins starts in place of Paul James.

Newport Gwent Dragons' Morgan was called into Wales' injury-hit squad when Cory Allen was ruled out of the tournament last month.

Morgan made his Test debut in a World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in August but did not make Gatland's original 31-man squad for the tournament.

After replacing Allen, he started when Wales beat Fiji in pool play and Saturday's match will see him win his third cap.

By contrast, Jenkins will be winning the 119th cap of his Test career this weekend.

Lock Alun Wyn Jones is set for his 100th international appearance -- 94 for Wales and six for the British and Irish Lions.

Tipuric and James are on a bench where Ken Owens, Tomas Francis and Bradley Davies provide the remainder of the forward cover.

Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland and James Hook are Wales' replacement backs.

"After coming through an incredibly tough Pool, we are excited to be in the quarter-finals and returning to Twickenham,” said Gatland, who four years ago guided Wales to a World Cup semi-final in his native New Zealand.

“The physicality and intensity of the matches so far will stand us in good stead for what is going to be a huge battle against the Springboks."

Two-time world champions South Africa started the World Cup with a shock 34-32 loss to Japan but then won their next three matches to top Pool B

"They have grown game on game in this tournament and we know the challenge that faces us from a talented South African side," Gatland added.

Wales lost 16 matches in a row to the Springboks before winning their most recent encounter 12-6 in Cardiff in November last year.

Their only previous World Cup match saw South Africa emerge 17-16 winners in a tense pool clash in Wellington four years ago.

Wales (15-1)

Gareth Anscombe; Alex Cuthbert, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate; Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris; Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Gethin Jenkins

Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, James Hook

Source: AFP