Wales haven’t been going through their best period of late, but the team named by Rob Howley for Saturday’s clash with Ireland looks pretty strong, on paper at least.
13 of the 15 players named to start the Millennium Stadium encounter featured in Wales’ run to the Grand Slam last year, with out-half Dan Biggar and the uncapped second row Andrew Coombs the only ones not to taste Six Nations success in 2012.
The return of prop forward Adam Jones and lock Ian Evans is a huge boost to Howley’s side, while Sam Warburton is flanked by Aaron Shingler and Toby Faletau in the back-row.
In the backs, Howley has gone with the tried and tested centre partnership of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts as well as a similarly experienced back three of Leigh Halfpenny and man mountains George North and Alex Cuthbert.
Mike Phillips will line-out alongside Biggar in the half-backs, with the mercurial James Hook available from the bench if required.
Wales take on Ireland in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday at 1.30pm.
Wales team to play Ireland: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Andrew Coombs, Ian Evans, Aaron Shingler, Sam Warburton (Captain), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Craig Mitchell, Olly Kohn, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams.
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