Lee Byrne (30) Height: 6ft 3in Weight: 96kg (15st 1lb) A willing, eye-catching strike runner with a physical presence on and off the ball. He has real pace and, importantly, a knack for scoring tries, although in his five outings against Ireland has not scored. A Lion in 2009 and bound for Clermont Auvergne after the summer.
Leigh Halfpenny (22)
Height:5ft 10in
Weight: 83kg (13st)
Been out of Test rugby since last June after shoulder surgery and more recently a sprained ankle, but recalled to the wing by Gatland as soon as he was fit. Picked for the 2009 Lions tour but again injured. Four tries from eight championship caps ain’t bad and a useful long-range kicker too.
Jamie Roberts (24)
Height: 6ft 4in
Weight: 110kg (17st 3lb)
Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll picked him out as a hard, physical player unafraid to accelerate into tackles. That’s a good enough summary as the two were Lions partners in South Africa and now opposite numbers. Watch the medical student at the University of Wales try to punch holes and make a big nuisance of himself.
Jonathan Davies (22)
Height: 6ft 1in
Weight: 102kg (16st)
The talented 22-year-old is still maturing as an international centre but even now coach Warren Gatland sees plenty of ability and obvious size. A hamstring injury against Scotland kept him out of the game against Italy, but his return releases James Hook back to the pivot. Eight tries from 10 games with Scarlets this season.
Shane Williams (35)
Height: 5ft 7in
Weight: 80kg (12st 8lb)
Everyone knows what he can do. Still, the trouble is preventing it from happening. In broken play or space Williams’ acceleration and offensive instincts make him almost impossible to mark. Mismatch him with a player like Tommy Bowe and size can be an issue, but 53 tries in 79 Tests speaks volumes.
James Hook (25)
Height: 6ft
Weight: 94kg (14st 8lb)
Picked ahead of Stephen Jones, Hook is a better all-round footballer who evidently provides a greater running threat than the veteran. The questions Wales will ask of Hook today is will he be able to control the game, set the tempo and carry out the more nuanced duties of an international 10.
Mike Phillips (28)
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 101kg (15st 12lb)
Likes to play a physical game and can do so comfortably with his frame. Team-mates believe he plays better when he’s in the thick of the action, annoying, berating and threatening the opposition. A big threat breaking from the scrum and the side of rucks. Earns his 50th cap.
Paul James (28)
Height:6ft 1in
Weight: 121kg (19st)
Principally a scrummaging prop as opposed to a Gethin Jenkins type who can get around the pitch a bit better. James can also play in the tighthead position so his technical ability is good. At 6ft 1in he is a tall prop and probably wouldn’t be in the squad if Jenkins were available to play.
Matthew Rees, capt (30)
Height:6ft 2in
Weight: 109kg (17st 2lb)
Played all three Tests in the 2009 Lions tour. Not only has he become a powerful hooker but has taken the captaincy role to his heart. Vocal on the pitch and unafraid to take control of situations and call the shots, Rees has developed into one of Wales pivotal players in this championship.
Craig Mitchell (24)
Height: 6ft
Weight: 118kg (18st 8lb)
Some faith has been shown in the specialist tighthead by the Wales management. The Ospreys prop will be eyeing up Irish loosehead Cian Healy and a couple of big performances could see him installed as an important squad member just months from the start of the World Cup.
Bradley Davies (24)
Height:6ft 6in
Weight: 120kg (18st 12lb)
Possibly one of the first names on Gatland’s team sheet, Davies has the capacity to deliver barnstorming performances. The junior partner in the secondrow pairing, he is an abrasive ball-carrier and is known for his explosive hits when not in possession. A handful for O’Connell and O’Callaghan.
Alun-Wyn Jones (24)
Height:6ft 6in
Weight: 120kg (18st 8lb)
Possesses an athletic ability as well as a prolific work-rate around the pitch. Jones is also a consummate lineout operator. The Ospreys captain sets the tone for the pairing and the two are now beginning to complement each other more and more. Like the Irish secondrow pair they work off each other very well.
Dan Lydiate (23)
Height:6ft 4in
Weight: 112kg (17st 6lb)
Has made quite a remarkable comeback after breaking his neck in a Heineken Cup match against Perpignan in 2007. In the accident he also ruptured ligaments and needed a bone graft for a crushed disc. From farming stock, he made his debut for Wales in 2009. A fearless, no-holds barred flanker.
Sam Warburton (22)
Height:6ft 2in
Weight: 103kg (16st 2lb)
Man of the match against Scotland a few weeks ago, Warburton is a skilful and athletic flanker who can play anywhere in the backrow but prefers the openside and maybe doesn’t have the bulk for number eight. A good mover in space, as befits his football background and friendship with Welsh international Gareth Bale.
Ryan Jones (29)
Height:6ft 5in
Weight: 112kg (17st 8lb)
The former Bristol City youth goalkeeper earns his 50th cap. A roller-coaster career has seen him lose both the Wales and Ospreys captain’s armbands in 2010. But Jones came on for Andy Powell against England, then started in the wins against Scotland and Italy, showing some of his best international form.
