Tighthead prop Jones has been ruled out of Wales’ clashes with Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia with a knee injury picked up while on Heineken Cup duty with Ospreys.

This meant that Howley added Samson Lee to his 35-man squad, with Scott Andrews and the Aaron Jarvis also now in the frame to start.

And despite admitting that Jones, who started all five of Wales’ RBS 6 Nations games earlier this year, will be a big loss, Rees has faith in the new crop of youngsters on the scene.

“All three of them could do a job, but it will be about who takes the opportunity,” said Rees.

“Adam is a loss, but we have got three pretty good players there waiting in the wings at the moment.

“And the challenge for them now is to kick on and impress the coaches and take their chance when it comes.

“I know Samson well, he's been there all season for the Scarlets. He has come through the academy structure and he will want to go well in Poland this week to put pressure on the others. He is a great young prospect and definitely one for the future.

“Scott has been involved with Wales before and he knows what it's all about.

“Aaron is here on performance, he's shown he can do it for the Ospreys this season so, probably, the only thing he doesn't have is that international experience.

“We have props who can play both sides of the scrum, with Paul James and Gethin Jenkins both able to move over and it will be up to the coaches when it comes to selection.

“But I can certainly see one of these youngsters coming through and getting to the next level over the next three or four weeks.”