Scarlets loose-head prop Rob Evans will start for Wales in their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.
His selection sees record cap-holder Gethin Jenkins demoted to the bench.
Captain Sam Warburton is selected on the blind-side with Ospreys’ flanker Justin Tipuric starting on the openside.
Fellow Ospreys and back-rower Dan Lydiate is selected on the bench.
In the backline, Tom James will win his first cap since 2010 as he is picked in a back three featuring George North and Gareth Anscombe, who has been picked at full-back ahead of Liam Williams and Matthew Morgan.
In fact, there is no place for Williams or Morgan in the squad with Cardiff Blues’ wing Alex Cuthbert being selected as the final replacement.
The half-backs remain unchanged from the World Cup, with Gareth Davies retaining his place at scrum-half despite rumours fellow Scarlet Aled Davies would usurp him.
And in midfield, Jonathan Davies makes a welcome return alongside long-time centre partner Jamie Roberts.
Speaking about the team selection, Warren Gatland said how happy he was with the balance.
“We are excited by the make-up of the squad, it’s very experienced along with one eye looking to the future,” said Gatland.
“Rob [Evans] gets a start at loose-head, he’s played well for us before and deserves a chance looking ahead to the next few years.
“We have been impressed with Tom James’ form for Cardiff Blues and we are excited by the mix of the back-row which has played well together before.
“It’s great to see Jonathan [Davies] back and alongside Jamie Roberts, which makes a pretty experienced midfield.
“We have a very experienced bench, with a lot of caps there and hopefully they will come on and make an impact.”
Wales team:
Backs: Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues); George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Tom James (Cardiff Blues); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, Capt), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues).
