JOHN O'SULLIVANtakes a look at the Wales team
Backs
12 Jamie Roberts
Age: 26 Height: 1.93 (6ft 4in) Weight: 110kg (17st 4lb)
He will be the primary means of getting over the gain-line behind the scrum as he searches out soft shoulders.
13 Jonathan Davies
Age: 24 Height: 1.86 (6ft 1) Weight: 103kg (16st 3lb)
An excellent player who today measures himself against the best and a rival for a place in next summer's Lions tour.
9 Mike Phillips
Age: 30 Height: 1.91 (6ft 3in) Weight: 10kg (15st 10lb)
Plays like an extra backrow forward defensively and is very astute at sniffing out opportunities around the fringes.
14 Alex Cuthbert
Age: 22 Height: 1.98 (6ft 6in) Weight: 104kg (16st 5lb)
He’s difficult to pin down in every respect and a very good athlete to boot. Wales will look to use his physique in the air and on the ground.
15 Leigh Halfpenny
Age: 24 Height: 1.77m (5ft 10in) Weight: 84kg (13st 2lb)
He may be the smallest in stature compared to the rest of the Welsh backline but he’s a very quick and powerful runner. Fine kicker.
11 George North
Age: 20 Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in) Weight: 104kg (16st 5lb)
Few will forget his bullocking run through the Irish midfield in Dublin last year. He has been unlucky with injury but on his game is a huge threat.
10 Dan Biggar
Age: 23 Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in) Weight: 90kg (14st 2lb)
He takes over the Rhys Priestland role and it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the game management. Has yet to convince at Test level.
Forwards
3 Adam Jones
Age: 31 Height: 1.83 (6ft) Weight: 120kg (18st 12lb)
He is a hugely influential player,the bulwark of the Welsh scrum and also someone who makes a big contribution everywhere.
4 Andrew Coombs
Age: 28 Height: 1.93 (6ft 4in) Weight: 108kg (17st)
Makes his debut at the tender age of 28. He also plays in the backrow ,which underlines his value around the pitch. He is noted for his lineout ability.
2 Matthew Rees
Age: 32 Height: 1.83m (6ft) Weight: 108kg (17st)
Like all good hookers he is mobile, aggressive and a real nuisance at the breakdown. Ireland will go after his darts.
8 Toby Faletau
Age: 22 Height: 1.88m (6'2") Weight: 110kg (17st 4lb)
A very strong ball-carrier, Lions coach Warren Gatland will be an interested spectator to see who edges the battle of the backrows.
7 Sam Warburton (capt)
Age: 24 Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in) Weight: 103kg (16st 3lb)
He’s copped a fair bit of flak in Wales with suggestions he should not be in the team ahead of Justin Tipuric. Perfect opportunity to respond.
5 Ian Evans
Age: 28 Height: 2.06m (6ft 9in) Weight: 118kg (18st 8lb)
The tallest player on the pitch and one that was at the centre of the match-winning penalty last season. Good all round ability.
6 Aaron Shingler
Age: 25 Height: 1.96m (6ft 5in) Weight: 106kg (16st 9lb)
He is quick, a good athlete and has been brought into the team to bolster Wales’ lineout options.
1 Gethin Jenkins
Age: 32 Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in) Weight: 118kg (18st 8lb)
A fine athlete, he has endured a less than auspicious time with Toulon in France, being often second choice behind Andrew Sheridan.
