THE menacing figure of Keith Wood (pictured) haunts Wales ahead of today's first World Cup warm-up match in Dublin (2.45pm).

The Irish talisman is back for the first time in almost a year after recovering from shoulder and neck injuries.

Known variously as the Bald Eagle and Mr Motivator, Wood has been installed as Irish captain to mark his return.

A feared competitor worldwide after inspirational tours with the British Lions to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001, Wood is one of the game's most respected figures.

Almost the inventor of the phrase leading from the front, Wood today wins his 52nd cap having led his country more times than any other player.

He hasn't played at Lansdowne Road for nearly two years, and is sure to make it a hot welcome for Wales, not only because of the weather.

Mefin Davies is the Welsh player who comes face to face with Wood in one of 13 changes made by coach Steve Hansen.

Davies has a high regard for Wood. "Some names carry a lot of weight in world rugby and Keith Wood is one of those," he said.

"He's a very big man in the game, he's very experienced and has proved himself on the highest possible stage.

"The way he performed for the Lions on two occasions speaks for itself. He's a world class player, explosive, fast and mentally strong."

Davies has yet to cement a place in the Welsh team and has struggled to translate his club form on to the international stage.

It doesn't get any easier, for he comes up against Wood for the first time today.

"I've never played against him before, and it's going to be a real experience for me," said Davies.

"But to have the opportunity to play against him is brilliant, to be playing against a big name player is a great incentive and the bigger the challenge the better."

It's a tough challenge for Wales, who have lost nine games in a row and were trounced 54-10 on their last visit to the ground 17 months ago, a result which brought about the downfall of Graham Henry.

Hansen, his successor, makes many changes for the Ireland game, and is experimenting before naming his 30-strong squad for the World Cup, whereas Ireland are at full strength apart from injuries.