Monday 30 January 2017 12:33, UK
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt believes Wales are "sleeping giants" and they are coming in under the radar despite registering three wins in November.
The manner of those victories did not set pulses racing but when coupled with the improved performances of the Welsh regions it gives interim coach Rob Howley plenty to build on.
Players such as Justin Tipuric and Scott Williams are carrying serious form and there is plenty of competition for places, with former skipper Sam Warburton trying to regain his spot in the back row.
Wales rattled England during last year's Six Nations, their late rally at Twickenham falling just short. The February 11 clash with their great rivals could make or break their campaign, but a six-day turnaround puts them at a disadvantage.
Williams looks poised for an extended run in the Wales midfield after a string of standout performances for the Scarlets.
The 26-year-old has emerged as a leader in the Scarlets squad and scored crucial tries in the Champions Cup games against Toulon and Saracens. Williams possesses a solid defensive game and after starting Wales' autumn wins over Argentina and South Africa, he looks to have jumped above Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in the pecking order.
Forwards: Scott Andrews, Scott Baldwin, Jake Ball, Luke Charteris, Olly Cracknell, Kristian Dacey, Rob Evans, Taulupe Faletau, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Rhodri Jones, James King, Samson Lee, Ross Moriarty, Ken Owens, Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, Thomas Young
Backs: Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert, Aled Davies, Jonathan Davies, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies, Steffan Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Ashton Hewitt, George North, Jamie Roberts, Rhys Webb, Liam Williams, Owen Williams, Scott Williams
