Wing ace Tom James is rewarded for his scintillating form for Cardiff Blues this season as he is named in the Wales' team to face reigning RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.
A total of three players from Cardiff Blues start the game with captain Sam Warburton and Gareth Anscombe also selected. Gethin Jenkins, Lloyd Williams and Alex Cuthbert are named among the replacements.
Justin Tipuric starts the game at the Aviva Stadium at openside flanker with Warburton at blindside and Taulupe Faletau at number eight, completing an all-British and Irish Lions back-row.
In the back-line James, who last played for Wales in the autumn of 2010, and made his debut back in 2007, will win his 10th cap on the wing. James will form a new look back-three alongside Anscombe and George North. Anscombe, who made his international debut against Ireland last August, will make his first RBS 6 Nations start as he lines up at full-back.
“We are excited by the make-up of the squad, it’s very experienced along with one eye looking to the future,” said Head Coach Warren Gatland.
“We have been impressed with Tom James’ form for Cardiff Blues and we are excited by the mix of the back-row which has played well together before. Gareth (Anscombe) at full-back also gives us the option of having two first receivers.
“We have a very experienced bench, with a lot of caps there and hopefully they will come on and make an impact. It’s going to be a physical game. Two years ago they strangled us out of the match and played well and we have to rise to that challenge on Sunday.”
Wales: Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues).