All Lions backline for Wales

Wales have selected a full compliment of Lions in their backline for Saturday's Six Nations tie with Scotland. [more]

All Lions backline for Wales

Wales have selected a full compliment of Lions in their backline for Saturday’s Six Nations tie with Scotland.

The return of Leigh Halfpenny to the right wing means there will now be six 2009 Lions and one 2005 tourist wearing shirt numbers nine to 15 at the Millennium Stadium.

Halfpenny is joined in the backline by Lee Byrne, Shane Williams, James Hook, Stephen Jones and Gareth Cooper, who all started the 30-17 defeat to England at Twickenham last weekend.

Wales and Lions coach Warren Gatland makes just one other change to the starting XV that lost on Saturday, with Jonathan Thomas replacing Luke Chateris in the second row.

Gethin Jenkins returns from a calf strain to take a place on the bench alongside fellow 2005 Lion Tom Shanklin, with young flanker Sam Warburton also called into the matchday 22.

"Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection,” said Gatland.

"We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.

"Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row.

"Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field."

Triple Lions tourist Martyn Williams will jump to third in the list of Welsh cap holders when he makes his 93rd appearance, with only fellow Lions Colin Charvis and Gareth Thomas ahead of him.

Wale squad to face Scotland, Saturday, February 13 at the Millennium Stadium

15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 James Hook
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper

1 Paul James
2 Gareth Williams
3 Adam Jones
4 Jonathan Thomas
5 Alun Wyn Jones
6 Andy Powell
7 Martyn Williams
8 Ryan Jones (captain)

Replacements

16 Huw Bennett
17 Gethin Jenkins
18 Bradley Davies
19 Sam Warburton
20 Richie Rees
21 Andrew Bishop
22 Tom Shanklin

Bold denotes Lion

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