Gatland recalls Lydiate and Williams

The Welsh rugby team are to shuffle their line-up for their upcoming World Cup match against Ireland, on Saturday. The union side will make sweeping changes to the squad that crushed Fiji 66-0 on October 2, a move that seems to contravene that ancient law on team selection; 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Shane Williams and flanker, Dan Lydiate, have been recalled following an 'all-clear' on their respective injuries. Lydiate picked up an ankle injury earlier in Wales' World Cup campaign, while Williams, one of three in the side, has been struggling with a leg problem. Welsh centre, Jonathan Davies, and Alun Wyn Jones have also been recalled for this weekend's fixture. Those looking at the 2011 Rugby World Cup betting will be wondering how they will get on.

Here's where it gets complicated; Shane Williams will start on the left wing, forcing Scarlets player, George North, to switch flanks. Leigh Halfpenny, much to the chagrin of the benched Lee Byrne, will begin Saturday's match in the full-back position. Jonathan Davies will replace Scott Williams, while Lydiate will shove Ryan Jones out of his position at the front. Wyn Jones will play lock, at the expense of Bradley Davies.

James Hook, who plays for French side, Perpignan, is on the reserves list, alongside Lloyd Burns, Paul James, and Lloyd Williams. However, Lions fly-half, Stephen Jones, who would have been the fourth player with the 'Jones' surname in the Welsh side, has not been selected for the clash against Ireland. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup tips should remember this.

Wales boss, Warren Gatland, will field an unusually young squad, on Saturday; eight players are under the age of 23.

Gatland noted that he had to sift through tens of eligible players, to find the right team, "this was a tough selection for us, probably one of the longest selection meetings we have ever had". However, despite the obvious difficulties of choosing just a handful of players, the former All-Black said that he would rather have too many players available, than too few. "It's a great position to be in."

Saturday's clash, which will be Wales' first quarter-final appearance since 2003, will be held at the Regional Stadium, in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.