A very solid and technically sound scrummager, Paul made his debut for Wales in 2003 and most recently appeared for them during their 2012 Grand Slam, winning the RBS 6 Nations campaign.

The athletic loosehead prop, who can also play on the tighthead side of the scrum, has made 177 appearances to date for the Ospreys, a record for the region, and has scored seven tries. He also captained the side who beat Australia in 2006.

Speaking about the move, Paul said “I’ve been with the Ospreys since 2003 and feel that I need a new challenge to keep developing my career. Bath is a very ambitious Club and I’m excited by the prospect of being a part of that. The Aviva Premiership is one of the toughest leagues and I can’t wait to get started.”

Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Nick Blofeld, added “Paul is a very experienced prop with a lot to offer us, both in the scrum and around the field. He has a great attitude and is a tough customer who will add considerably to our team. We are very much looking forward to him joining us”.

15 Lee Byrne

14 Tommy Bowe

13 Andrew Bishop

12 James Hook

11 Nikki Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

1 Paul James

2 Huw Bennett

3 Adam Jones

4 Ryan Jones

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Tom Smith

7 Marty Holah

8 Jerry Collins

Replacements

16 Richard Hibbard

17 Ryan Bevington

18 Cai Griffiths

19 Ian Gough

20 Justin Tipuric

21 Tom Isaacs

22 Sonny Parker

23 Richard Fussell

Nikki Walker makes his 100th Ospreys appearance

Cai Griffiths will make his 100th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

The following players were not considered because of injury:

Jonathan Spratt – ACL

Gareth Owen – Knee

Morgan Allen – Ankle

Tom Prydie – ACL

Jamie Nutbrown – Shoulder

Craig Cross – Hamstring

Ben John – Wrist

Shane Williams – Knee

Craig Mitchell – Shoulder

Ben Thomas – Knee

Richard Kelly – Lower leg

Jonathan Thomas – Hamstring

Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson commented:

“It’s a big period for us now, we’ve got three games left to secure a place in the top four and there’s everything to play for. We know what we need to do.

“It’s always a very difficult place to go, but we realise that what we need to do is focus on our own preparation, be diligent and thorough about the way we go about things, and ensure that we are clinical on the night. If the players know their jobs and do their homework on the opposition then we are confident that we can put in the level of performance required.

“We’re playing a team that enjoy playing at home and have a great record there, including beating Munster earlier this season. They are dangerous because they can get continuity into their game over a season, they aren’t as affected by international calls as others so they have the same group of players involved all season long, and continuity is the obvious benefit of having less players absent.

“It’s going to be a bumpy ride, they’ll try to make life difficult for us, but we’ve got to be professional and rise above that. We have to concentrate on our own job and not be sidetracked by anything else.”

Forthcoming fixtures

Sat 23 Apr – Ospreys V Munster – Liberty Stadium – Magners League – 6.30pm

Fri 6 May – Aironi V Ospreys – Stadio Luigi Zaffanella – Magners League – 7.05pm (UK time)

Gethin Jenkins has recovered from his calf injury to be named on the bench and, in one of three changes there, he joins fellow Blues players Sam Warburton, who covers the back row, and centre or wing Tom Shanklin.

“Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection.

“We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.

“Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row.”

Ryan Jones captains Wales for the 21st time taking him to joint fourth in the all-time list alongside Gareth Thomas and behind Rob Howley and Colin Charvis (22) and Ieuan Evans (28).

And fellow back row forward Martyn Williams reaches two more landmarks, winning his 93rd cap, to put him in third place on the all-time appearance list behind Charvis (94) and Thomas (100), and making his 49th tournament appearance – a Welsh record – putting him in line to become only the eighth player to play 50 championship matches.

“We were all disappointed with the result last weekend but the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, just seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland,” added Gatland.

“The championship is by no means over and we are back home at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.

“This is a must win game for us and the Millennium Stadium factor will have a big part to play, as will the fans, and we are all very much looking forward to coming home.”

WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Paul James, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin

WALES

15 Lee BYRNE (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,041)
DoB: 01.06.80. 6’3″ / 1.91m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 28 caps (W 12, L 15, D 1; 35 pts – 7T)

14 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10″ / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs
International record: 11 caps (W 5, L 6; 43 pts – 5T, 6PG)

13 James HOOK (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 38 caps (W 16, L 21, D 1; 214 pts – 7T, 34C, 35PG, 2DG)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4″ / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)

11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)
DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs
International record: 69 caps (W 33, L 34, D 2; 240 pts – 48T)

10 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS – Cap No 966)
DoB: 08.12.77. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 84 caps (W37, L45, D2; 738 pts – 7T, 122C, 148PG, 5DG)

9 Gareth COOPER (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 985)
DoB: 07.05.79. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
International record: 45 caps (W 21, L 24; 45 pts – 9T)

1 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 17st 7lbs / 111kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3)

2 Gareth WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,010)
DoB: 19.12.78. 5’8″ / 1.73m. 15st 4lbs / 97kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 2, L 6)

3 Adam Rhys JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 19st 10lb / 125kgs
International record: 57 caps (W 29, L 26, D 2; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Jonathan THOMAS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,013)
DoB: 27.12.82. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 51 caps (W 25, L 24, D 2; 35 pts – 7T)

5 Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 36 caps (W 15, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

6 Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4″ / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs
International record: 13 caps (W 7, L 6)

7 Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 944)
DoB: 01.09.75. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs
International record: 92 caps (W 42, L 47, D 3; 73 pts – 14T, 1DG)

8 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 37 caps (W 21, L 15, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
International record: 28 caps (W 16, L 12)

17 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)
DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs
International record: 72 caps (W 31, L 39, D 2; 15 pts – 3T)

18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6″ / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2)

19 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2″. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

20 Richard REES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,072)
DoB: 21.05.83. 5’11″ / 1.80m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

21 Andrew BISHOP (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,059)
DoB: 07.08.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 6, L 2)

22 Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 993)
DoB: 24.11.79. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 65 caps (W 31, L 33, D 1; 100 pts – 20T)

The facial injury suffered by Tom Shanklin in the victory over Samoa gives Davies his chance with Gatland otherwise reverting to the starting line-up chosen to face New Zealand in the Series opener a fortnight ago.

And in a positional switch Blues centre Jamie Roberts moves to outside centre to accommodate Davies at No 12.

In forward changes from the team who beat Samoa Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees replaces Osprey Huw Bennett and Blues flanker Martyn Williams returns for regional team-mate Sam Warburton, with Bennett providing cover from the bench.

In the backs Ospreys wing Shane Williams, Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones and Blues scrum-half Gareth Cooper all return for Tom James (Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys) and Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks) respectively, with Biggar the only one of the three not included as a replacement.

Uncapped Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate gets his first chance of the campaign joining Ospreys prop Duncan Jones and Blues second row Bradley Davies in providing bench cover for the forwards and Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop, called in to train with the squad on Monday after Shanklin’s injury was confirmed, completes the 22 to face the Pumas.

“Jonathan came on at inside centre on Friday (against Samoa) when Tom (Shanklin) was injured and he acquitted himself well,” said Gatland.

“That’s his natural position, he plays there for his region and is comfortable there. Jamie is the more experienced player and more than capable of playing at 13 and we are looking forward to the continuation of the partnership from the second half last weekend.

“With James Hook going so well at full-back it was important for us to continue his international development in that position.”

Wales face a Pumas side ranked consistently higher in the IRB World rankings in the last 12 months – only in February, March and June did Wales temporarily go ahead before Argentina reclaimed the superior position – and who currently lie one place higher at seventh.

Attendance for the heavyweight clash, which has seen Welsh sides win seven times in 11 attempts, has already surpassed the 50,000 mark as Gatland prepares his men for battle on a brand new Millennium Stadium surface.

Gatland, who has rotated his bench with the aim of giving everyone in his small squad game-time, added:

“Dan (Lydiate) has impressed in training, we have selected a small squad and he is the only one who has not been involved so far, so we felt it was important for his development that he gets the opportunity to win his first cap and put what he has learnt into practice.”

WALES: James Hook; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)

REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Bradley Davies, Dan Lydiate, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom James

WALES v ARGENTINA

15 James HOOK (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,047)

DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 35 caps (W 15, L 19, D 1; 209 pts – 6T,34C,35PG,2DG)

14 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10″ / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs

International record: 8 caps (W 4, L 4; 34 pts – 5T, 3PG)

13 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4″ / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs

International record: 14 caps (W 7, L 7; 5 pts – 1T)

12 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)

DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 3; 10 pts – 2T)

11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)

DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs

International record: 66 caps (W 32, L 32, D 2; 230 pts – 46T)

10 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS – Cap No 966)

DoB: 08.12.77. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 81 caps (W36, L43, D2; 705 pts – 6T,117C,142PG,5DG)

9 Gareth COOPER (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 985)

DoB: 07.05.79. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs

International record: 43 caps (W 20, L 23; 45 pts – 9T)

1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs

International record: 70 caps (W 30, L 38, D 2; 15 pts – 3T)

2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)

DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs

International record: 32 caps (W 15, L 16, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

3 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)

DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 17st 7lbs / 111kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

4 Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)

DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs

International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 19; 20 pts – 4T)

5 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9″ / 2.06m. 19st 9lbs / 125kgs

International record: 16 caps (W 9, L 7)

6 Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,061)

DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4″ / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs

International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4)

7 Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 944)

DoB: 01.09.75. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs

International record: 89 caps (W 41, L 45, D 3; 73 pts – 14T, 1DG)

8 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs

International record: 35 caps (W 20, L 14, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)

DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs

International record: 25 caps (W 15, L 10)

17 Duncan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 997)

DoB: 18.09.78. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs

International record: 55 caps (W 25, L 28, D 2)

18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6″ / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs

International record: 5 caps (W 4, L 1)

19 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS)

DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4″. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs

International record: Uncapped

20 Dwayne PEEL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 994)

DoB: 31.08.81. 5’9″ / 1.76m. 13st 8lbs / 86kgs

International record: 70 caps (W 33, L 35, D 2; 25 pts – 5T)

21 Andrew BISHOP (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,059)

DoB: 07.08.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 5, L 1)

22 Tom JAMES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,055)

DoB: 17.04.87. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 1lb / 96kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)

Ospreys star Dan Biggar starts at 10 for Wales

Wales have made five changes to the starting line-up who faced New Zealand last Saturday for the visit of Samoa to the Millennium Stadium in the Invesco Perpetual 09 Series clash on Friday night (Kick-off 7.30pm).

Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar wins his fourth cap when he starts at half back with Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), who will be playing in his 70th international for his country.

Biggar made his debut against Canada in 2008 when both he and Peel joined the game from the bench and he figured twice on Wales’ recent summer tour to North America, where he partnered the Blues’ Gareth Cooper in the win over Canada and again came on as a replacement alongside Peel against USA.

In the third back division change, Blues wing Tom James replaces Shane Williams.

Up front Huw Bennett (Ospreys) starts at hooker with Matthew Rees (Scarlets) moving to the bench and Blues back row Sam Warburton comes in for regional team-mate Martyn Williams.

Stephen Jones, Cooper and Shane and Martyn Williams miss-out all together with the Scarlets trio of Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies and Morgan Stoddart providing cover for the backs from the replacements bench.

Front row cover is supplied by Rees and Ospreys prop Craig Mitchell, whilst fellow Osprey Jonathan Thomas and Blues second row Bradley Davies are also included.

“We’ve named a strong side and shown the maximum amount of respect to Samoa,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“They have proved to be a difficult side for Welsh teams in the past and we don’t expect the standard to be any different on Friday night.

“They are a tough physical team with players featuring for some of Europe’s top sides and there is no question of us under-estimating what we are up against.

“Dan Biggar is a bright prospect and his performances at the Ospreys this season mean he fully deserves his opportunity. Dan is surrounded by experience with Dwayne Peel and Jamie Roberts on either side of him which should help further smooth his transition to international rugby.

“Tom James has another chance to show us what he can do and Sam Warburton has been knocking on the door for some time after impressing the coaches on tour to North America this summer.

“But elsewhere we have maintained a consistency in selection and we will be looking to put a performance in on Friday night that will help create the momentum to finish of this series with wins and build on what we achieved for large parts of the game against New Zealand.”

WALES: James Hook; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James, Dan Biggar, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones (Capt)

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Craig Mitchell, Bradley Davies, Jonathan Thomas, Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Morgan Stoddart

WALES

15 James HOOK (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,047)

DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 34 caps (W 14, L 19, D 1; 209 pts – 6T,34C,35PG,2DG)

14 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10″ / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 3, L 4; 26 pts – 4T, 2PG)

13 Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 993)

DoB: 24.11.79. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs

International record: 64 caps (W 30, L 33, D 1; 100 pts – 20T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4″ / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs

International record: 13 caps (W 6, L 7; 5 pts – 1T)

11 Tom JAMES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,055)

DoB: 17.04.87. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 1lb / 96kgs

International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)

10 Dan BIGGAR (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,063)

DoB: 16.10.89. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 3; 35 pts – 7C, 7PG)

9 Dwayne PEEL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 994)

DoB: 31.08.81. 5’9″ / 1.76m. 13st 8lbs / 86kgs

International record: 69 caps (W 32, L 35, D 2; 25 pts – 5T)

1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs

International record: 69 caps (W 29, L 38, D 2; 15 pts – 3T)

2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)

DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs

International record: 24 caps (W 14, L 10)

3 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)

DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 17st 7lbs / 111kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 1, L 1)

4 Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)

DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs

International record: 32 caps (W 13, L 19; 20 pts – 4T)

5 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9″ / 2.06m. 19st 9lbs / 125kgs

International record: 15 caps (W 8, L 7)

6 Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,061)

DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4″ / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs

International record: 9 caps (W 5, L 4)

7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,070)

DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2″. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)

8 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs

International record: 34 caps (W 19, L 14, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)

DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs

International record: 31 caps (W 14, L 16, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

17 Craig MITCHELL (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,068)

DoB: 03.05.86. 6’1″ / 1.85m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 2)

18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6″ / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs

International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1)

19 Jonathan THOMAS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,013)

DoB: 27.12.82. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 47 caps (W 23, L 22, D 2; 35 pts – 7T)

20 Martin ROBERTS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,062)

DoB: 06.06.86. 5’9″ / 1.76m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 1, L 1)

21 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)

DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 2; 10 pts – 2T)

22 Morgan STODDART (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,056)

DoB: 23.09.84. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 14st 13lbs / 95kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

The Ospreys prop, who can play on both sides of the scrum, made his international debut against Romania in 2003 and packs down at tight-head alongside Scarlets and Lions hooker Matthew Rees and Blues and Lions stalwart Gethin Jenkins at loosehead. Fellow Ospreys Duncan Jones and Huw Bennett provide the cover from the bench.

Dragons second row Luke Charteris partners Osprey Alun Wyn Jones in the second row and the back row combination of Ospreys and Wales captain Ryan Jones at No8 and Blues duo Martyn Williams and Andy Powell on the flanks is selected.

In the backs Osprey James Hook reverts to full-back with team-mate Shane Wiliams and Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny completing the back three. The Blues centre partnership of Tom Shanklin (outside) and Jamie Roberts is re-united with Gareth Cooper (Blues) joining Scarlet Stephen Jones at half-back.

Three Scarlets make the bench, with Dafydd Jones providing back row cover and Jonathan Davies in line to win his third cap at centre and scrum-half Martin Roberts set to win his second cap. Hooker Huw Bennett joins fellow Osprey Jones and Blues duo Bradley Davies (second row) and Tom James (wing) completing the matchday 22.

“We wanted Gethin (Jenkins) to start so it was a case of seeing which of the other three props (Jones, James and Osprey Craig Mitchell) stood out in training this week,” said Gatland.

“Paul has edged it and we know he won’t let us down, he may have just had the one cap but he has been around this Wales squad since making the tour to North America in the summer and at 27-years-old has had plenty of experience and should be coming into his prime as a front row forward.

“Elsewhere the coaches have looked for consistency of selection, we have asked James to play at full-back before and it a boost for any side to be able to have someone of his calibre on the field in whatever position that may be.

“We have an experienced pairing at centre, two exciting wingers and the Lions play-maker running the back line at fly-half, so we think we have a pretty good side out there.

“New Zealand will be looking to get the European part of their tour off to a winning start and were pretty slick in their demolition of Australia at the weekend. We are looking forward to facing them at the Millennium Stadium again and are expecting an exciting game.”

Scarlets wing Mark Jones has been ruled out of the rest of the Invesco Perpetual Series with a knee injury he picked up on Sunday. He is currently waiting to see a consultant but is likely to require keyhole surgery

WALES: JAMES HOOK; LEIGH HALFPENNY, TOM SHANKLIN, JAMIE ROBERTS, SHANE WILLIAMS; STEPHEN JONES, GARETH COOPER; GETHIN JENKINS, MATTHEW REES,

PAUL JAMES, ALUN WYN JONES, LUKE CHARTERIS, ANDY POWELL, MARTYN WILLIAMS, RYAN JONES (CAPT)

REPLACEMENTS: HUW BENNETT, DUNCAN JONES, BRADLEY DAVIES, DAFYDD JONES, MARTIN ROBERTS, JONATHAN DAVIES, TOM JAMES

WALES v NEW ZEALAND

15 James HOOK (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,047)

DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1; 209 pts -

6T,34C,35PG,2DG)

14 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10″ / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3; 26 pts – 4T, 2PG)

13 Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 993)

DoB: 24.11.79. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs

International record: 63 caps (W 30, L 32, D 1; 100 pts – 20T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4″ / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs

International record: 12 caps (W 6, L 6; 5 pts – 1T)

11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)

DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs

International record: 65 caps (W 32, L 31, D 2; 230 pts – 46T)

10 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS – Cap No 966)

DoB: 08.12.77. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 80 caps (W36, L41, D2; 693 pts -

6T,117C,138PG,5DG)

9 Gareth COOPER (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 985)

DoB: 07.05.79. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs

International record: 42 caps (W 20, L 22; 45 pts – 9T)

1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs

International record: 68 caps (W 29, L 37, D 2; 15 pts – 3T)

2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)

DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs

International record: 30 caps (W 14, L 15, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

3 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)

DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1″ /1.86m. 17st 6lb / 111kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)

4 Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)

DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs

International record: 31 caps (W 13, L 18; 20 pts – 4T)

5 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9″ / 2.06m. 19st 9lbs / 125kgs

International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6)

6 Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,061)

DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4″ / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs

International record: 8 caps (W 5, L 3)

7 Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 944)

DoB: 01.09.75. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs

International record: 88 caps (W 41, L 44, D 3; 73 pts – 14T, 1DG)

8 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs

International record: 33 caps (W 19, L 13, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)

DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs

International record: 23 caps (W 14, L 9)

17 Duncan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 997)

DoB: 18.09.78. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs

International record: 54 caps (W 25, L 27, D 2)

18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6″ / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 3)

19 Dafydd JONES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,008)

DoB: 24.06.79. 6’3″ / 1.90m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 41 caps (W 19, L 22; 10 pts – 2T)

20 Martin ROBERTS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,062)

DoB: 06.06.86. 5’9″ / 1.76m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)

21 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)

DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 2; 10 pts – 2T)

22 Tom JAMES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,055)

DoB: 17.04.87. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 1lb / 96kgs

International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)