Warren Gatland admitted that picking his Wales team to face Uruguay in Kumamoto on Sunday was a “juggling act” as they manage injuries and a four-day turnaround following the win over Fiji.
Victory over Uruguay will ensure that Wales top Pool D and face France in the quarter-finals.
"It's a bit of a juggling act with the four-day turnaround,” said Gatland. “But we have a fresh forward pack and they’re excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”
Gatland has made 13 changes, retaining only Josh Adams – who Gatland admitted he wanted to rest – and Hadleigh Parkes.
Justin Tipuric returns to captain the side for the first time with Alun Wyn Jones rested, and starts in a back row that also features Aaron Wainwright at No8.
Injuries in the backs have stretched Gatland.
Dan Biggar left the field for the second successive match with a head injury on Wednesday but did not show concussion symptoms yesterday and is going through the HIA protocols.
The centre Jonathan Davies appears to be a doubt for next Sunday’s quarter-final in Oita with a knee injury. George North is “rested” with a sore ankle, while Liam Williams is given the game off.
”Hopefully [Davies will be fit], he's being managed at the moment,” Gatland said.
“It had a bit of swelling and he's been icing it regularly. He gets a little bit more time and hopefully that keeps improving over the next few days.”
Biggar’s absence leaves Wales short at fly-half. Rhys Patchell starts, while there is a 6-2 split on the bench, with both backs being scrum-halves, Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies.
