But while time has been kind on Gatland’s 10-12 axis it has not healed the wounds of back-row Dan Lydiate who has failed to recover from a ankle injury and will be replaced by former skipper Ryan Jones.

With Wales legend Shane Williams having hanging up his international boots Blues wing Alex Cuthbert will start for the first time but George North will take the legendary No. 11’s jersey.

Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett will win his 50th Wales cap and Gatland has admitted his delight at being able to name a team packed with familiar faces, despite the nightmare run of injuries of late.

With Gethin Jenkins, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones and former skipper Matthew Rees all sidelined Gatland added: “We have been able to retain continuity in some key areas.

“We have been working hard and we feel we are approaching this match with the right attitude and with some good preparation work done.

“We are two sides who know each other well, Ireland will not have enjoyed losing to us in New Zealand, they will want to redress the balance in Dublin this weekend, but they will find us in just as determined mood.”

In the absence of Jenkins, Saracens’ Rhys Gill starts at loosehead for his only his second gap, two years after making his debut in Ireland while Bradley Davies and Ian Evans form a heavyweight second-row combination.

Wales:

15: Leigh Halfpenny
14: Alex Cuthbert
13: Jonathan Davies
12: Jamie Roberts
11: George North
10: Rhys Priestland
9: Michael Phillips
1: Rhys Gill
2: Huw Bennett
3: Adam Jones
4: Bradley Davies
5: Ian Evans
6: Ryan Jones
7: Sam Warburton
8: Toby Faletau

Replacements:
16: Ken Owens
17: Paul James
18: Andy Powell
19: Justin Tipuric
20: Lloyd Williams
21: James Hook
22: Scott Williams