After a solid performance with the Scarlets in the second half against Ulster last weekend on return from a recent groin injury, Rees has been picked by Wales head coach Warren Gatland for his experience in the set-piece ahead of Huw Bennett who started in the defeat to France at the Millennium stadium and moves to the bench.

Rees joins fellow Scarlet Stephen Jones who remains at outside half after another strong performance last time out in the pivotal position. The Scarlets’ Ken Owens and Jon Davies are not included in Gatland’s 22.

Announcing the team on Tuesday at Wales’ HQ, The Vale Resort, Warren Gatland said: "Matthew (Rees) comes in for Huw (Bennett) and offers us his experience…. we are looking for 50 or 60 minutes out of Matthew to maybe give us a little more stability in the set-piece.

"Ireland are an impressive and experienced side with a pack of players who have been around for a long time and who are tough players. We meet them after a good win against England and a loss to France by a scoreline which probably flattered the French.”

And Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies makes his first full start for Wales Under 20 along with fellow Scarlets Scott Williams and Simon Gardiner.

Five young Scarlets are named in Phil Davies’ Wales squad line-up for the game against Ireland on Friday night, on the back of Wales’ impressive 43-8 victory over France. Trystan Davies and Edward Siggery (Llandovery) are included on the bench.

Head Coach of the Wales U20 Phil Davies said: “This change will give Gareth Davies an opportunity to start a game and show what he can do at this level.

"This game against Ireland will be the biggest challenge so far for us. We lost narrowly to them at Parc y Scarlets last season and then beat them to gain fifth position at the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan last June.

"We feel we have gained momentum through this campaign and that is thanks to the cooperation and support shown by the Regions and clubs in enabling us to work for the benefit of the players and their development."