Wales v Fiji: Scarlets wing Blair Murray to make debut in Cardiff

Murray came through the Crusaders academy in New Zealand and played for Canterbury in the domestic competition before arriving in Wales.

He linked up with Scarlets this summer and has played just six games for his new side but impressed Gatland, as he was named as only one of two uncapped players in the 35-man squad alongside Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas.

“He’s been playing well for the Scarlets but hasn’t had a lot of games,” said Gatland.

“Coming through the New Zealand system in terms of their pathway, we were excited when he decided to commit to Wales.

“What he does give us that we haven’t had in a while is a left-footed option, so it allows us to mix it up a bit.

“We have been pleased with the way he’s been playing, his footwork and he’s been scoring some nice tries.”

Murray ‘s parents are set to fly in from New Zealand for the game.

“Someone said today he’s had 29 requests for tickets so he’s got family and friends coming to support him,” said Gatland.

“It’s always great to see that, particularly someone on his first cap.”

Murray, who has has been preferred to Rio Dyer and Tom Rogers, lines up in a back three alongside full-back Cameron Winnett and Mason Grady, who switches to the wing from the inside centre role he occupied in the summer.

It is the first time Dyer has not started a Test match since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina in October 2023.

Anscombe, 33, will play his first Test for more than a year after missing last season because of a groin injury.

Thomas featured at fly-half in the two losing Tests in Australia but switches to his more familiar inside centre role as Wales try out yet another centre combination.

It will be Thomas’ first international start in the Wales number 12 jersey.