Jones had been replaced by James Hook for Wales' 38-20 win over the Pacific Islanders on Nov. 11 and its 61-26 victory over Canada the following week.

``We can't underestimate the boost he will give to the team,'' Wales coach Gareth Jenkins said of Jones. ``He is not only our captain and our leader on the pitch, but also a pivotal player at fly half. He brings with him a wealth of experience at international level.''

Jenkins also named Sonny Parker at inside centre over Gavin Henson and Hook on Wednesday.

Parker, who only came out of international retirement two weeks ago after quitting before the 2006 Six Nations, played versus the Islanders and was a late callup against Canada after Henson was injured.

``Sonny very much played himself into the selection debate with two solid performances since coming out of retirement _ against Canada and the Pacific Islanders,'' Jenkins said. ``He comes into an exciting back line with the kind of pace and power which can hopefully match New Zealand and enable us to take our game plan to them.''

Fullback Gareth Thomas hasn't recovered from a twisted knee, allowing Kevin Morgan to start.

In the front row, Duncan Jones starts ahead of Gethin Jenkins at loosehead prop and Rhys Thomas is preferred to Matthew Rees at hooker.

``We go into this game with a huge amount of self-belief,'' Jenkins said. ``We know we are playing the No. 1 team in world rugby, but we also know they are human beings.''