RUGBY:WALES FULLBACK Lee Byrne has been declared fit for Saturday's match against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium after recovering from an ankle injury, but Warren Gatland has fitness concerns over three of his squad's Lions, Matthew Rees, James Hook and Ryan Jones.

All three are expected to be fit, although none has trained fully this week. Wales have called the Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett into the squad as cover for Rees, the captain, who has a hamstring strain, and the back-up hooker Richard Hibbard, who has a shoulder injury. The wing Morgan Stoddart and the replacement backrower Jonathan Thomas are also receiving treatment.

Gatland will announce his starting line-up on Thursday. His major conundrum will be whether to restore Hook, who has appeared in three positions in the first three matches, to outhalf after he filled the gap left by Jonathan Davies in midfield in Rome.

“We expect Ronan O’Gara to start against us after the way he played in Scotland,” said the Wales defence coach, Shaun Edwards. “He is an exceptional kicker, but Ireland scored three tries in Murrayfield to go with the three they created against France. They are playing expansive rugby and they are creating chances. I am happy with the way we have operated in defence, but we will have to step it up a level on Saturday.”

Victories in Scotland and Italy have fuelled Wales’ self-belief, but it is nearly a year since they won in Cardiff.

“There is a real sense of desire in the camp,” said wing Leigh Halfpenny. “We will look to attack on Saturday. It is a game that could come down to who wants it more and we will be hungry.”