Wales boss Warren Gatland wants to experience “selection headaches” before facing the Grand Slam-chasing Irish in Cardiff on March 21.

Jones will give Gatland plenty of food for thought if he leads Wales to a stylish, points-laden victory over Six Nations whipping boys Italy in Rome.

Gatland’s 2008 Grand Slam captain Ryan Jones is widely expected to return for the Ireland game, but, asked if Alun-Wyn Jones may retain the role should Wales deliver at Stadio Flaminio, Gatland replied: “Why not?”

Ryan Jones is among 10 players who drop out of Gatland’s starting XV, following the Grand Slam-ending defeat against France six days ago.

Jones will be a replacement in Rome - fellow Grand Slam stars like Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips and Tom Shanklin join him - and Gatland’s support cast have now been challenged to hog the limelight.

Gatland said: “We have decided to back the squad and the depth of the squad.

“The top teams have no worries about making changes. The All Blacks, for instance, put out almost a second team against Scotland in November - they backed their squad’s strength in depth.

“This is an opportunity for a lot of players to put themselves in contention for the Ireland game. There is nothing better than having selection headaches the following week.

“Alun-Wyn has had a fantastic season so far. He is well respected by the players and he will lead from the front. He is a possible Wales captain of the future.

“I spoke to Ryan yesterday and said I planned to make a number of changes. I told him he would be on the bench, and he had no problem with it.

“There are a lot of players in the squad who have worked hard but not had the opportunity. We are giving them a chance.

“We have come a long way in the last 12 months and achieved a fantastic amount, but the best teams in the world develop depth of experience in their squad and back themselves.

“The choice of Alun-Wyn as captain next week is an example of us doing exactly that and also looking to the future.”