Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate will make his fourth start of the 2011 Six Nations for Wales as he lines up for his country against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 5pm).
Lydiate will again join Sam Warburton and Ryan Jones in the back row for the crucial Cardiff clash. Head coach Warren Gatland makes two changes to the team which defeated Italy in Rome, with James Hook moving to outside-half as Jonathan Davies returns in the centre, whilst Leigh Halfpenny comes back on the wing in place of Morgan Stoddart, who drops to the bench.
Half-backs Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel are also among the replacements, whilst a decision will be made pending fitness testing on Thursday as to which two from Osprey Jonathan Thomas, Scarlet Rob McCusker and Wasp Andy Powell will supply back-five forward cover.
Wales are currently second in the Six Nations championship table.
Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys); James Hook (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Ospreys); Paul James (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Sam Warburton (Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), John Yapp (Blues) - two from: Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Andy Powell (London Wasps), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys) - Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets).
