Knoyle returns in place of Ospreys scrum half Rhys Webb whilst Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones (shoulder) is unavailable due to injury alongside Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell (bicep) and Dragons back row Dan Lydiate (ankle).
George North, Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland join Knoyle in the backline with Ken Owens, Matthew Rees, Aaron Shingler and Josh Turnbull joining Scarlets captain McCusker in the forwards pack.
Wales begin their campaign against Argentina on Saturday, 10 November, before facing Samoa the following Friday evening.
The Wales squad will begin their preparations for the Dove Men Series with a week's training camp in Spala, Poland, beginning this Sunday, 28 October - the same Olympic training village which they visited prior to the 2011 RWC.
WALES SQUAD, DOVE MEN SERIES 2012
Backs: Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Harry Robinson, Ashley Beck, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Dan Biggar, James Hook, Rhys Priestland, Tavis Knoyle, Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams
Forwards: Scott Andrews, Ryan Bevington, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens, Matthew Rees, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Ian Evans, Alun Wyn Jones, Toby Faletau, Ryan Jones, Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Justin Tipuric, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton
Watch Wales' Autumn Series at Parc y Scarlets; no entry fee, a free pint on arrival and free food!
• Wales v Argentina Saturday 10th November KO 2.30pm
• Wales v Samoa Friday 16th November KO 7.30pm
• Wales v New Zealand Saturday 24th November KO 5.15pm
• Wales v Australia Saturday 1st December KO 2.30pm
