Monday 2 February 2015 14:30, UK
Wales boss Warren Gatland has ramped up the mind games ahead of Friday's Six Nations opener against England by naming his side for the match two days early.
Gatland has largely stuck to the tried and tested, with flanker and captain Sam Warburton winning his 50th cap as England visit the Millennium Stadium for the first time since their 30-3 thrashing in 2013.
Wales have made two changes from the side which beat South Africa in their final autumn international, with winger George North and hooker Richard Hibbard returning to the starting line-up.
North replaces Liam Williams - who had been tipped to retain one of the wing slots - but he has to settle for a place on the bench.
Gloucester star Hibbard comes in for Scott Baldwin, who is also named among the replacements.
"We decided to name the team early to give the players the best possible chance of preparation”, said Gatland.
"It was a tough call on the two changes we have made from the side that beat South Africa, but it's good to have these and other tough selection decisions and it's a strong position to be in.
"We are excited about kicking the tournament off on Friday against a strong England side in front of a packed Millennium Stadium.”
England coach Stuart Lancaster is expected to name his team on Wednesday.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North; 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Richard Hibbard, 3 Samson Lee; 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones; 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 8 Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Liam Williams.
