With Bradley Davies given a seven-week suspension for a tip-tackle on Donncha Ryan in last week’s clash with Ireland and skipper Sam Warburton an injury doubt Gatland’s already-depleted pack appeared to be creaking ahead of the visit of Scotland.

However with World Cup lynchpins Jenkins (knee) and Lydiate (ankle) fit again and Warburton sufficiently recovered from his dead leg Gatland has been handed a most welcome shot in the arm.

After their three-try haul in the Aviva Stadium the backline remains unchanged with Alex Cuthbert, who was withdrawn at half-time against Ireland, keeping his place.

Rhys Priestland starts again at fly-half but looks set to do battle with full-back and last-gasp matchwinner from last week, Leigh Halfpenny, for the kicking duties.

However after an impressive display from the bench last week Ospreys back-row Justin Tipuric misses out with an ankle injury and is replaced by Scarlets lock Lou Reed.

Former skipper Ryan Jones replaces the suspended Davies in the second-row while loose-head prop Rhys Gill misses out entirely with Jenkins’ return.

And Gatland is only too pleased to welcome the Cardiff Blues prop back into the fold.

“Gethin brings a wealth of experience to the team, which is the main reason we have brought him in for Rhys, who is unlucky to miss out with Paul James covering both sides of the scrum from the bench,” said Wales head coach Gatland.

“Dan’s return from injury is timely and Ryan’s versatility allows us to cover for Bradley with minimum disruption, with Lou Reed also giving us an extra option from the bench.

“We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland, the amount of possession and territory they had against England last weekend meant that they should have won the game and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge.”