Wales have named 10 players from the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa in their 29-man squad for next month’s internationals.
Lions forwards coach Warren Gatland has selected each and every fit Lion who toured the Republic this summer, with only Lee Byrne, Adam Jones and Mike Phillips missing out through injury.
That means Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Gethin Jenkins, Alun-Wyn Jones, Stephen Jones, Andy Powell, Matthew Rees, Jamie Roberts, Martyn Williams and Shane Williams could all face New Zealand, Samoa, Argentina and Australia at the Millennium Stadium.
Tom Shanklin, who was an original selection for Ian McGeechan’s Lions but missed the tour after injuring his shoulder prior to departure, is also included.
With Lions Test scrum-half Phillips absent with an ankle injury, his predecessor in a Lions shirt, Dwayne Peel, is handed the chance to reclaim the No9 jersey, although fellow 2005 tourist Gareth Cooper is also in contention to take over from Phillips.
Newport Gwent Dragons back row Dan Lydiate is the only uncapped member of the squad, while young Cardiff Blues back row Sam Warburton is included once more having impressed on the tour of North America last summer.
"The selection process has been relatively simple for us, generally we have gone for the incumbents in their positions at regional level," said Gatland.
"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.”
Wales squad for autumn internationals
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 Sharks)
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)
NB Bold denotes 2005 or 2009 Lion
