Dragons flanker Colin Charvis has been named in Gareth Jenkins' Welsh team for the first test against Australia on Saturday.
Charvis has more than 10-years international experience, which he adds to a forward pack formed entirely from 20-cap plus players - save hooker Matthew Rees who has 10 appearances to his name.
Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper and Michael Owen are all named on the bench for the game.
"With Colin it's a case of us looking to him to reproduce his regional form on the international stage," said coach Gareth Jenkins.
"We are looking for players of his versatility, like Jonathan Thomas he is capable of covering each position in the back row and he is without doubt a player of outstanding ability who could put his hand up on this tour."
Gareth Thomas will become Wales' most capped player when he leads his country into battle for the 93rd time in the first of two Tests on tour against Australia, to be played at Telstra Stadium, Sydney on Saturday (Kick-off 8pm).
Thomas - who was the 924th international - and his team-mates will contest the James Bevan Trophy, named after Wales' first player, the Melbourne-born, Welsh-raised Bevan who was captain for the inaugural international against England in 1881.
"It's a fantastic achievement, Gareth's been a great example for all players and is the epitome of a quality professional," said head coach Gareth Jenkins.
"He is a significant selection, his experience and enthusiasm is on display for everyone to see in training and he has a renewed sharpness and edge to his game that can only benefit this Wales team.
"You wouldn't bet against him breaking through the 100-caps barrier with two games on this tour, three summer matches and then the Rugby World Cup just around the corner.
"He was inspirational after missing the first four matches of the Six Nations this year and he leads a team bubbling with international experience into a match we are looking to win."
Dragons hooker Steve Jones has flown out to Australia to provide cover at hooker with Jenkins saying, "We now look forward to welcoming two hookers Mefin Davies and Steve Jones to the squad this Friday. This team has a huge incentive with Rugby World Cup squad places up for grabs.
"And both sides will be looking for victory in order to gain psychological advantage before we meet in the World Cup."
Wales: Lee Byrne; Gareth Thomas (Capt), Jamie Robinson, Sonny Parker, Chris Czekaj; James Hook, Mike Phillips; Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Brent Cockbain, Rob Sidoli, Colin Charvis, Gavin Thomas, Jonathan Thomas
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Ceri Jones, Michael Owen, Scott Morgan, Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Gavin Henson.
