Wales have named their team extremely early and it contains 9 Lions

A strong hand has been laid out, flat on the table by a confident Warren Gatland.

The New Zealander has kept up his practice of naming his match-day squad early in the week and focusing, instead, on preparing for Saturday's clash with Ireland. No less than nine British & Irish Lions are in the Wales starting XV, with three more [Richard Hibbard, Justin Tipuric and Mike Phillips] on the bench. Sam Warburton, the Welsh captain, and Dan Biggar have overcome fitness concerns and take their place in the line-up. Cardiff's Alex Cuthbert must content him place with a spot on the bench as Liam Williams is retained on the left wing. Warburton will create a Welsh record when he captains his country for the 34th time, this weekend. WALES (XV to face Ireland)

Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee; Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones; Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (c), Toby Faletau. Replacements: Richard Hibbard, R. Evans, Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.

Wales name unchanged XV to face @IrishRugby (Two changes on the bench) #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/68QCf4hVOQ — Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 10, 2015