His selection sets him up to achieve his 7th cap with Wales, his debut coming against Canada in the summer of 2009. The young 22-year-old Scarlet from West Wales, who has come through the Scarlets' Academy ranks has played 62 games for the region with 95 points on the board - 10 of those notably notched up from his double try against London Irish in the Heineken Cup last season.

Wales Coach Robin McBryde said: "We said at the start that we were keen to give some players opportunities and there is no better place to come out and prove yourself on the international stage than against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing Jon play, we've only seen glimpses of him so far on the international stage and now he's got a start against the All Blacks, it's a great opportunity for him. Both he and Jamie are good strong ball carriers, Jon's got a good turn of pace and good handling skills and both are strong attacking players."

Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: "I'm really pleased for Jon, he hasn't had many full opportunities yet with Wales to show what he can do and to be in the starting line-up in such a crucial test is great for his experience but equally his motivation to go out there and prove what a talent he can be at centre.

"He's very strong, powerful and quick and is now going to be up against one of the best teams in the world. The experience will be invaluable for him and will spur him on with his performances for the Scarlets. It's good for his continued development - knowing what it is like to come up against world-class players and teams."

WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Tom Prydie; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Gavin Thomas, Ryan Jones (capt).

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Craig Mitchell, Deiniol Jones, Rob McCusker, Richard Rees, Stephen Jones, Will Harries