WALES scrum-half Dwayne Peel will return to Test match action on Friday night - and launch what will probably be his last international season as a Sale Sharks player.

Peel's stint in the Guinness Premiership is likely to end when his existing Sale contract expires next year.

Cardiff Blues or Peel's former regional team, the Llanelli-based Scarlets, appear possible destinations.

The 28-year-old admits it was "bitterly disappointing’’ to miss out on Wales' Millennium Stadium appointment with New Zealand last weekend.

Rather than tackling the All Blacks, Peel made a substitute's appearance for Sale in their low-key LV= Cup defeat against Newport Gwent Dragons the previous evening.

Because the New Zealand fixture fell outside the International Rugby Board's recognised autumn Test window, Premier Rugby's directive to their 12 member clubs is that players should not be released for Tests not involving England.

It was not the first time for Peel to be affected by such a stance, and will undoubtedly prove a major reason behind any move away from English rugby.

"It was bitterly disappointing, very frustrating,’’ said Peel, who watched from the stands as Wales lost 19-12 to New Zealand.

"It was a ruling put in place by Premier Rugby. I didn't agree with it, but there was nothing really that could have been done.’’ As for his playing future, Peel added: "I haven't really sat down to think about it yet.

"I've focused, really, on getting back fit and playing well for Sale. I will worry about that afterwards.

"It is for me to sit down when the time right is right and discuss it. I will have to speak to a number of people, and go from there.

"I've been really looking forward to having a crack at these autumn games. It's a big opportunity, and the ball is in my court to perform.

"It is definitely a big few weeks for me.’’ Peel wins his 70th cap as one of five changes to face Samoa following the All Blacks loss.

Cardiff Blues' 21-year-old flanker Sam Warburton is among the players called up, winning just his second cap.

Warburton takes over from Blues colleague Martyn Williams, while one other switch up front sees a start for Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett.

Behind the scrum, Blues wing Tom James, Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar and Peel all start as respective replacements for Shane Williams, Stephen Jones and Gareth Cooper.

"We need to look at options at 10,’’ said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"Dan has been playing well for the Ospreys, and we want to continue with his development.

"We see him as a player who is the next generation of number 10s in Wales. He has shown all the right signs of a young 10 who is mature beyond his years.

"We think he is going to have a significant impact on Welsh rugby.’’ Wales have only beaten Samoa three times from six attempts, and two of their defeats coming in Cardiff. The countries last met nine years ago.

And Gatland added: "Samoa have a lot of players who are performing well in the Premiership.

"Traditionally, they are the type of side that if they play with some confidence and get on the front foot, they are good enough to beat any team in the world.

"We've got to make sure we are very physical with them. Our set-piece has got to be strong, and we've got to be prepared to try to dominate them up-front.

"We've named a strong side and shown the maximum amount of respect to Samoa.

"They have proved to be a difficult side for Welsh teams in the past, and we don't expect the standard to be any different on Friday night.

"We will be looking to put a performance in that will help create the momentum to finish off this series with wins, and to build on what we achieved for large parts of the game against New Zealand.’’