The 22-year-old, who has made six appearances in EPCR competitions, is one of two players from the Newport-based Pool B side in Wayne Pivac’s starting XV, the other being lock Will Rowlands.

Pivac commented: “Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly. He’s thriving in this environment. He’s a young man who’s bringing some form with him into camp.

“He scored some great tries and he’s full of confidence. That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There’s no better way to start your career, so we wish him well.”

Pivac also welcomes back Scarlets hooker Ken Owens and full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who will make their first appearances for Wales in over a year, while the starting XV also includes Cardiff Rugby scrum-half Tomos Williams and No.8 Taulupe Faletau.

The Wales boss said of the Scarlets pair: “They bring a lot of experience and they are big game players. Playing New Zealand doesn’t get much bigger so we’re really looking forward to having them back in the side.”

Meanwhile, five players from Pool A side Glasgow Warriors are included in Scotland’s starting XV to take on Fiji at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

All but scrum-half Ali Price are in the pack, where hooker George Turner, prop Zander Fagerson, lock Richie Gray and No.8. Matt Fagerson start.

Gray returns to the international fold for a first start since 2017, while there is also a first home cap for Bath Rugby centre Cameron Redpath.

Wing Rio Dyer has been rewarded for some excellent form for EPCR Challenge Cup contenders Dragons with his first international cap for Wales against New Zealand in front of a full house at Principality Stadium on Saturday.