Warren Gatland has named his squad for the Autumn internationals as the Welsh regions continue to smash each other onto the treatment table.
He told the BBC:
“The selection process has been relatively simple for us, generally we have gone for the incumbents in their positions at regional level,” said Gatland.
“Paul James and Gethin Jenkins could be considered as tight-heads. Both Gethin Jenkins and Paul James are in consideration as props who can play on both sides of the scrum
“Dan Lydiate is a good example of someone who has let his form do the talking and he deserves his chance as does Sam Warburton, who impressed the coaches on tour this summer.
“Craig Mitchell keeps his place after making his debut on that tour and, as a recognised tight-head, he is definitely someone we are looking to develop.
“Both Gethin Jenkins and Paul James are in consideration as props who can play on both sides of the scrum.”
The squad is:
Backs: Dan Biggar, James Hook, Shane Williams (Ospreys); Gareth Cooper, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Tom James, Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Martin Roberts, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies, Mark Jones (Scarlets); Dwayne Peel (Sale).
Forwards: Paul James, Duncan Jones, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones (capt), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams (Blues); Matthew Rees, Dafydd Jones (Scarlets); Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate (Dragons).
