WELSH TEAM ANNOUNCED - Ireland vs Wales

First topic message reminder :

ROBERTS AND PRIESTLAND WIN WALES RACE

R hys Priestland and Jamie Roberts will both start for Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday (kick-off 3.00pm)

Scarlets fly half Priestland and Blues centre Roberts have recovered from knee injuries in time to take their places in a starting line-up which shows six changes to that which faced Australia at the Millennium Stadium in December and just five from that which defeated Ireland in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals six weeks earlier.

Osprey Huw Bennett is set to win his 50 th Wales cap, making him only the second hooker to do so (Garin Jenkins has 58 caps), in a squad which features no debutants in its ranks but has three players who will make their second appearance for their country.

Saracens loosehead prop Rhys Gill comes into the side for the injured Gethin Jenkins (knee), after winning his other cap two years ago - appearing from the bench against Ireland at Croke Park in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.

Blues wing Alex Cuthbert, who made his debut against Australia before Christmas, makes his first start profiting from the retirement of Shane Williams, with Scarlets wing George North (who played in all 7 RWC matches last year) switching flanks to take the No11 jersey synonymous with Wales’ top try scorer.

The third player with a single cap to his name is Scarlets hooker Ken Owens, who starts on the bench after making his debut at the RWC in the Pool D clash with Namibia.

Elsewhere in the starting XV Scarlet Jonathan Davies (7 RWC 2011 appearances) is reunited with Roberts (6 RWC 2011 appearances) and Bayonne scrum half Mike Phillips (6 RWC 2011 appearances) also returns.

Davies replaces his Regional colleague Scott Williams and Phillips replaces Blues half back Lloyd Williams, with both departing players providing cover from the bench.

Ospreys and British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones returns to the front row alongside Gill and half centurion Bennett.

The final change from the Australia match sees another Osprey Ryan Jones come into the back row for injured Dragon Dan Lydiate (ankle).

The second row duo of Ian Evans (Ospreys) and Bradley Davies (Blues) is retained, with this pairing giving the side a different look as neither figured in the RWC showdown with Ireland.

Blues full back Leigh Halfpenny, Roberts, North, Priestland, Bennett, captain Sam Warburton (Blues) and Dragons No8 Toby Faletau (the other player alongside North and Davies to play in all 7 RWC 2011 matches) are all retained from last time out in Cardiff and all figured in that historic match at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

“We have been able to retain continuity in some key areas, we have been working hard and we feel we are approaching this match with the right attitude and with some good preparation work done,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are two sides who know each other well, Ireland will not have enjoyed losing to us in New Zealand, they will want to redress the balance in Dublin this weekend, but they will find us in just as determined mood.”

On the bench James Hook (Perpignan) joins the Williamses in providing cover for the backs and could win his 60 th cap. Osprey Paul James joins Owens to provide front row cover and Sale Sharks No8 Andy Powell and Osprey Justin Tipuric complete the list of replacements. Dan Lydiate (ankle), Matthew Rees (calf) and Gethin Jenkins (knee) were unavailable for selection due to injury.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Andy Powell, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
International record: 27 caps (W 12, L 15; 75 pts – 9T, 10PG)

14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
International record: 21 caps (W 11, L 10; 25 pts – 5T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 39 caps (W 18, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 16 caps (W 6, L 9, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 60 caps (W 28, L 29, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

1 Rhys GILL (SARACENS – Cap No 1,073)
DoB: 30.10.86. 5’11” / 1.80m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
International record: 49 caps (W 23, L 25, D 1)

3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
International record: 75 caps (W 35, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 14, L 17, D 1)

5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 6, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

6 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 58 caps (W 28, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 12, L 12; 10 pts - 2T)

8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 11 caps (W 5, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs
International record: 1 cap (W 1)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 31 caps (W 12, L 18, D 1)

18 Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4” / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 22 caps (W 12, L 10; 5 pts – 1T)

19 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,086)
DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 10lbs / 100kgs
International record: 2 caps (W 1, L 1)

20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 3, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 59 caps (W 25, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 4, L 4; 20 pts – 4T)

Its going to be difficult maesteg, its such a shame that you guys have so many injuries. I was leaning towards a Welsh win until i saw all the injuries coming in.

Re Hook, i think that when he is on song, he really dominates a game but when he is not, you can better play with 14 men as he is a liability.

Well you have to be happy with what you've got. Very pleased to see we have the reserves of Hook or Stephen Jones quality as back up. I remember when a like match was relying on Colin Stephens.

Mind you you guys had Eric Elwood so we had a good chance.

Hey, dont be cheeky maesteg.. Elwood is a legend

It is a good sign for Welsh rugby when you can have such a young side with very good strength in depth. Ireland are getting to that stage as well so i am expecting some big things from both sides in the next few years.

Aye Ellwood is a legend but he was no Tony Ward or Ollie Campbell.

The regional system and academies work well. Produce great young guys ready for international rugby.

Think how in 2006 Hook was a 20 year old flyhalf at Neath RFC and in the last match of the 2007 six nations he took England apart. We thought we were lucky then now we have the quality of North, Warburton, Faletau etc who a few years ago were in known academy lads.

Exciting times ahead I hope.

There are some lads coming through thats for sure. I am still amazed at North's progress. I actually have him down as being one of the greatest all time players in years to come. I just hope that with his size and gungho approach he can stay relatively injury free as he is going to be very very good.

I agree but you can tell he has a great deal to learn. Would be good to see him get a few more try's this six nations.

Three on Sunday would be nice..!

Below this seasons youngsters there is another group of talent too. Joe Rees is a ready made Adam jones, dai youngs lad is a tyro openside, the two Owen Williams's in the sevens squad big lads with good skills and plenty of pace. We will have four or five good young scrum halfs at the four regions by next year all pushing each other for the welsh jersey.

All very good news then for you guys.

Ireland is not dissimilar, plenty of good work going on in the youth ranks.

Yep, thats why i said i expect some big things from both teams over the next few years. I refuse to get excited about Ireland yet though

Not before the weekend.

Er, who the hell is Dan Priestland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16773386

EDIT: Boo, they've changed it! It did say Dan Priestland originally.

Dan Lydiate out..!

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/02/03/wales-flanker-dan-lydiate-set-to-miss-out-against-ireland-as-warren-gatland-prepares-to-name-team-91466-30256515/#ixzz1lJ2J2A9F

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Er, who the hell is Dan Priestland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16773386

EDIT: Boo, they've changed it! It did say Dan Priestland originally.

Maybe the WRU and SRU have come to an agreement over Shingler and Dan Parks is playing for Wales.

WELSH TEAM ANNOUNCED AT 11:50 THIS MORNING...!


Apparantly Gatland is in Princes Street shouting, "anyone got their boots with them?"

HERSH wrote:

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Er, who the hell is Dan Priestland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16773386

EDIT: Boo, they've changed it! It did say Dan Priestland originally.

Maybe the WRU and SRU have come to an agreement over Shingler and Dan Parks is playing for Wales.

Either that or you had nothing to say so you typed something unfunny and nonsensical.

Dan Priestland is the younger cousin of Dan Parkland both eminent fly halves - They are not related to Steve ParkAnywhere Shingler another out half with an Identity crisis. All 3 however have been coached by one of the greatest out halfs of all time Steve Park your Fridge Jones who again is not related to James Sling your Hook another french out half. All in all an easy mistake to make as Ronan Sexton and Johnny Ogara would attest to.

Enjoy the games and have a Happy New Birthday

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

HERSH wrote:

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Er, who the hell is Dan Priestland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16773386

EDIT: Boo, they've changed it! It did say Dan Priestland originally.

Maybe the WRU and SRU have come to an agreement over Shingler and Dan Parks is playing for Wales.

Either that or you had nothing to say so you typed something unfunny and nonsensical.

He is right about one thing.

Dan parks is invariably more of a benefit to the opposition than his own team.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

HERSH wrote:

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Er, who the hell is Dan Priestland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16773386

EDIT: Boo, they've changed it! It did say Dan Priestland originally.

Maybe the WRU and SRU have come to an agreement over Shingler and Dan Parks is playing for Wales.

Either that or you had nothing to say so you typed something unfunny and nonsensical.

Maybe I just don't care!

IMO it's not much of a game anyway, Ireland are favourites for reason.

Ireland lost their last 2 v Wales and got stuffed in the most recent match.

Their best player (BOD) is also out of the tournament.

Makes sense why Ireland are favourites

BOD hasn't been their best player for a couple of seasons

HERSH wrote:BOD hasn't been their best player for a couple of seasons

That's about half the length of time since we all realised your posts have little to offer other than contentious riling...!

HERSH wrote:BOD hasn't been their best player for a couple of seasons

Actually HERSH, you do have a point. BOD has had his moments but he has'nt been the best player consistently for Ireland. I would say that honour belongs to POC.

maestegmafia wrote:

HERSH wrote:BOD hasn't been their best player for a couple of seasons

That's about half the length of time since we all realised your posts have little to offer other than contentious riling...!

Is that all you've got?

Attack the post not the poster, that’s the whole point of a debate.


I wouldn't argue with POC being their best player, BOD will always have his moments as he was a class player, and still is on a good day.

I think that no Irish player held a candle to BOD in the 00's but from 2010 and onwards its been POC as Irelands best and most consistent player.

What about last season? Definitely led from the front with a couple of crucial tries and took his tally to finest in the tournament's history.

Yeah he did knowsit but i am talking consistently. For me that POC.

Does couple mean two in this discussion? Sometimes you find it actually means more than that in some people's head. Anyway, going on the notion of a 'couple' as two. That's about right. 2009 - vintage O'Driscoll year, and was robbed of Player of the Year. 2010 - Irish side beginning to reorganise and prepare for 2011 WC (O'Driscoll and a few others in the cotton-wool stage). 2011, O'Driscoll suffering from a bad shoulder for most of it.

That's a long time being below 'best', I agree. But don't shed a tear, he'll be back

He was defo robbed in 2009 Fly. By far and away the best player on the planet that year.

Definitely a travesty that BOD didn't get it in 09, what with leading Ireland through a whole year unbeaten whereas McCaw couldn't do the same with arguably a better side.

Did literally define a couple as two in my post, one to win the game against Italy and another to keep the momentum up against England on the final weekend. Also scored a third which I suppose can't be considered as "crucial" seeing as ultimately it made no difference in Cardiff, though could have meant more if the touch judge hadn't been high that day.

Update: Ireland by 15 if Priestland is fit. More of a chance for Wales to survive the onslaught. Carry on.

Backs: Phillips, Priestland, Cuthbert, Roberts, Davies, North, Halfpenny

Confirmed on Twitter by What the Ruck

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Backs: Phillips, Priestland, Cuthbert, Roberts, Davies, North, Halfpenny

Confirmed on Twitter by What the Ruck

..... ....

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Backs: Phillips, Priestland, Cuthbert, Roberts, Davies, North, Halfpenny

Confirmed on Twitter by What the Ruck

Awesome

RubyGuby wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Backs: Phillips, Priestland, Cuthbert, Roberts, Davies, North, Halfpenny

Confirmed on Twitter by What the Ruck

Awesome

Ah but Ruby don't you worry that Priestland and Roberts might be undercooked having not trained all week?

No offence to What the Ruck, but I'll wait for the official announcement.

Undercooked - I love my meat medium rare mate so no problems there - Undercooked The panic is on by the sound of it - October all over again here we come boys

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Backs: Phillips, Priestland, Cuthbert, Roberts, Davies, North, Halfpenny

Confirmed on Twitter by What the Ruck

Ah.....................so it was just a mix up with the thermostat on the freezer. All back to normal - now there's a surprise.

Well, the hinted team on the Wales v Ireland thread was that backline

1. Gill
2. Bennett
3. Jones
4. BD
5. IE
6. R.Jones
7. S.Warb
8. T.Faletau

Was the "hinted" team

Do Wales have a Gerry Thornley type journo? Id swear he picks the team for Deccie. Only think he got wrong was the Ryan/Doc bench or start option.

With those forwards Gibbo I think it's more likely to be Gerry and the Pacemakers

Gibbo, Thornley always likes to call one or two wrong to keep up the image of being the fevered brain on the buzzer, nosing out the right choices to be made and downright standing by his instincts and printing them..'Keeping it real, folks' Reality-soap in other words.

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Lee Halfpenny
George North
Jonathan Davies
Jamie Roberts
Alex Cuthbert
Rhys Priestland
Mike Phillips

Rhys Gill
Huw Bennett
Adam Jones
Ian Evans
Bradley Davies
Ryan Jones
Sam Warburton (c)
Toby Falatau

Told you

delighted. no excuses from the taffs now

men all over the country suffering from erectile dysfunction will have just felt something stir downstairs.

Really solid front row for Wales. Paul James just gives away too many penalties.

I am also really looking forward to seeing Wales monster back line targeting the Irish midfield. Phillips, Roberts, North, Jon Fox, Cuthbert all running at Earls. Lovely.

Team announced - OP edited.

ROBERTS AND PRIESTLAND WIN WALES RACE

R hys Priestland and Jamie Roberts will both start for Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday (kick-off 3.00pm)

Scarlets fly half Priestland and Blues centre Roberts have recovered from knee injuries in time to take their places in a starting line-up which shows six changes to that which faced Australia at the Millennium Stadium in December and just five from that which defeated Ireland in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals six weeks earlier.

Osprey Huw Bennett is set to win his 50 th Wales cap, making him only the second hooker to do so (Garin Jenkins has 58 caps), in a squad which features no debutants in its ranks but has three players who will make their second appearance for their country.

Saracens loosehead prop Rhys Gill comes into the side for the injured Gethin Jenkins (knee), after winning his other cap two years ago - appearing from the bench against Ireland at Croke Park in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.

Blues wing Alex Cuthbert, who made his debut against Australia before Christmas, makes his first start profiting from the retirement of Shane Williams, with Scarlets wing George North (who played in all 7 RWC matches last year) switching flanks to take the No11 jersey synonymous with Wales’ top try scorer.

The third player with a single cap to his name is Scarlets hooker Ken Owens, who starts on the bench after making his debut at the RWC in the Pool D clash with Namibia.

Elsewhere in the starting XV Scarlet Jonathan Davies (7 RWC 2011 appearances) is reunited with Roberts (6 RWC 2011 appearances) and Bayonne scrum half Mike Phillips (6 RWC 2011 appearances) also returns.

Davies replaces his Regional colleague Scott Williams and Phillips replaces Blues half back Lloyd Williams, with both departing players providing cover from the bench.

Ospreys and British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones returns to the front row alongside Gill and half centurion Bennett.

The final change from the Australia match sees another Osprey Ryan Jones come into the back row for injured Dragon Dan Lydiate (ankle).

The second row duo of Ian Evans (Ospreys) and Bradley Davies (Blues) is retained, with this pairing giving the side a different look as neither figured in the RWC showdown with Ireland.

Blues full back Leigh Halfpenny, Roberts, North, Priestland, Bennett, captain Sam Warburton (Blues) and Dragons No8 Toby Faletau (the other player alongside North and Davies to play in all 7 RWC 2011 matches) are all retained from last time out in Cardiff and all figured in that historic match at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

“We have been able to retain continuity in some key areas, we have been working hard and we feel we are approaching this match with the right attitude and with some good preparation work done,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are two sides who know each other well, Ireland will not have enjoyed losing to us in New Zealand, they will want to redress the balance in Dublin this weekend, but they will find us in just as determined mood.”

On the bench James Hook (Perpignan) joins the Williamses in providing cover for the backs and could win his 60 th cap. Osprey Paul James joins Owens to provide front row cover and Sale Sharks No8 Andy Powell and Osprey Justin Tipuric complete the list of replacements. Dan Lydiate (ankle), Matthew Rees (calf) and Gethin Jenkins (knee) were unavailable for selection due to injury.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Andy Powell, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
International record: 27 caps (W 12, L 15; 75 pts – 9T, 10PG)

14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
International record: 21 caps (W 11, L 10; 25 pts – 5T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 39 caps (W 18, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 16 caps (W 6, L 9, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 60 caps (W 28, L 29, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

1 Rhys GILL (SARACENS – Cap No 1,073)
DoB: 30.10.86. 5’11” / 1.80m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
International record: 49 caps (W 23, L 25, D 1)

3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
International record: 75 caps (W 35, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 14, L 17, D 1)

5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 6, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

6 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 58 caps (W 28, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 12, L 12; 10 pts - 2T)

8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 11 caps (W 5, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs
International record: 1 cap (W 1)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 31 caps (W 12, L 18, D 1)

18 Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4” / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 22 caps (W 12, L 10; 5 pts – 1T)

19 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,086)
DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 10lbs / 100kgs
International record: 2 caps (W 1, L 1)

20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 3, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 59 caps (W 25, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 4, L 4; 20 pts – 4T)

doctornickolas wrote:Really solid front row for Wales. Paul James just gives away too many penalties.

I am also really looking forward to seeing Wales monster back line targeting the Irish midfield. Phillips, Roberts, North, Jon Fox, Cuthbert all running at Earls. Lovely.

Worse than that, they'll be running at McFadden...

So Cuthbert starts. That worries me a lot.

It's a monstrous set of backs Wales are putting out. Halfpenny aside, that has to be about the biggest Wales back line ever assembled. How fit are Jamie and Priestland though? :-/

Anyone know much about Gill - unknown to me pretty much...

Playing well for Saracens. Saracens on fire. Enough said.