But their biggest test comes against an Ireland side who appear to have climbed out of their World Cup slump and need a victory to keep their own championship aspirations alive.

Wales have not won in Dublin in eight years - ironically the last time was when Gatland was coach of the Irish, before he was controversially dismissed in 2001 and replaced by his assistant Eddie O'Sullivan.

There is no love lost between the two coaches, who go head-to-head for the first time since Gatland's departure in 2001 and their rivalry provides an intriguing sub-text to a contest which has the potential to be the match of the tournament.

Gatland made four changes from the comprehensive 47-8 victory Italy, the most significant being the return of scrum-half Mike Phillips to partner Stephen Jones whose experience and controlling hand earned him the nod over James Hook.

Lock Alun-Wyn Jones, recovered from an ankle injury, tight-head prop Adam Jones and hooker Huw Bennett all returned to the pack.

O'Sullivan was forced to move Rob Kearney to full-back after Georden Murphy and Girvan Dempsey were both ruled out through injury.

The knock on effect saw Shane Horgan promoted to the starting line-up, Tommy Bowe switch to the left wing and Luke Fitzgerald named on the bench

Paul O'Connell returned in the second row with Mick O'Driscoll settling for a place among the substitutes while Rory Best replaced Bernard Jackman at hooker.