Evan Lloyd will make his first start for Wales in their Six Nations opener against France on Friday night.
The Penarth-born hooker takes his place in the front row as Warren Gatland's men seek to end a record barren run of 12 straight defeats in Test rugby.
Lloyd scored for Cardiff in both of their Welsh derbies over the festive season - during their win at Dragons on Boxing Day and in the New Year's Day draw at home to Ospreys.
At international level, he made his first Wales appearance as a late replacement against Les Bleus in Cardiff last year.
Lloyd is partnered by tighthead prop Henry Thomas, who is also making his first start - and his first Wales appearance since the last Rugby World Cup - while Gareth Thomas is at loosehead.
Friday night's curtain raiser in Paris sees the return of full back Liam Williams, wing Josh Adams and second row Dafydd Jenkins.
Williams is in line to win his 93rd cap for his country after returning from a stint in Japan last November.
Adams last played for Wales a year ago while Jenkins missed out on the Autumn internationals due to injury.
Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker with James Botham and Aaron Wainwright making up the back row, while Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.
Cardiff's Taulupe Faletau is a notable absentee after he picked up a knee injury in training, while fly-half Ben Thomas will make his tournament debut and Tomos Williams starts at scrum half.
Owen Watkin lines up alongside Nick Tompkins in the midfield and Tom Rogers, named at wing, completes the starting XV.
On the bench, Dan Edwards provides cover at fly-half as a potential debutant, while Nicky Smith could clinch his 50th Wales cap in Paris.
Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray, who both made their bows in November, could follow that up with their Six Nations debuts.
Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations in the best rugby competition in the world."
"Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that and start our championship well."
Wales squad to face France
Liam Williams; Tom Rogers, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams; Ben Thomas, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan (captain), Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray
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