In the second row, Osprey Jonathan Thomas reforms his regional partnership with Alun-Wyn Jones at the expense of Dragons lock Luke Charteris. In the backs Leigh Halfpenny comes in for his Blues colleague Tom James on the wing.
Gethin Jenkins has recovered from his calf injury to be named on the bench and, in one of three changes there, he joins fellow Blues players Sam Warburton, who covers the back row, and centre or wing Tom Shanklin.
“Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
“Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection.
“We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.
“Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row.”
Ryan Jones captains Wales for the 21st time taking him to joint fourth in the all-time list alongside Gareth Thomas and behind Rob Howley and Colin Charvis (22) and Ieuan Evans (28).
And fellow back row forward Martyn Williams reaches two more landmarks, winning his 93rd cap, to put him in third place on the all-time appearance list behind Charvis (94) and Thomas (100), and making his 49th tournament appearance – a Welsh record – putting him in line to become only the eighth player to play 50 championship matches.
“We were all disappointed with the result last weekend but the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, just seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland,” added Gatland.
“The championship is by no means over and we are back home at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.
“This is a must win game for us and the Millennium Stadium factor will have a big part to play, as will the fans, and we are all very much looking forward to coming home.”
WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Paul James, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
