EBBW Vale loose head prop Iestyn Thomas has broken into the Wales team for Sunday's game against the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium. Thomas appeared in all three of Wales' autumn internationals, the full game against Samoa and as a replacement against the USA and South Africa, but then lost out to Darren Morris.

The Swansea prop is one of Wales' ten Lions and the management want to give him experience in the tight head position he used to occupy.

Consequently, Morris will appear at some stage against the Barbarians at tight head in place of skipper David Young, which means that Thomas is in at loose head.

"It's nice to be back and hopefully it'll go well. I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Thomas.

Another Lion who misses out is number eight Scott Quinnell, recovering from an Achilles' tendon injury, his place going to Swansea's Geraint Lewis.

But half backs Rob Howley and Neil Jenkins both start the game, though it was thought that both might not be risked after injuries.

Stephen Jones, normally an outside half, is given another opportunity at inside centre while teammate Mark Jones returns on the right wing after making his debut against Scotland and then being left out.

And at full back Swansea's Kevin Morgan is back in place of Rhys Williams for his first appearance for Wales since the France rout over three years ago.

"It'll be a typical Barbarians game, they are one of the most important teams in world rugby with a huge tradition and it's an honour for Wales to play against them," said coach Graham Henry.

"I can't understand why there's been some negative talk, it's always a marvellous game in New Zealand, sold out."

Henry believes that, notwithstanding the odd late developer, the next World Cup squad will come from the 47 players going with the Lions to Australia and Wales to Japan, as well as a few injured players.

Wales captain David Young insists there will be no holding back against the Baabaas. "They are taking it seriously and if we aren't focused we could be embarrassed," he said.

Wales: K Morgan (Swansea), M Jones (Llanelli), M Taylor (Swansea), S Jones (Llanelli), D James (Bridgend), N Jenkins, R Howley (Cardiff), I Thomas (Ebbw Vale), R McBryde (Llanelli), D Young, captain, C Quinnell (Cardiff), A Moore (Swansea), C Charvis, G Lewis (Swansea), M Williams (Cardiff). Replacements: S Williams (Neath), G Henson (Swansea), G Cooper (Bath), D Morris (Swansea), A Lewis (Cardiff), N Budgett (Bridgend), G Thomas (Bath). Kick off 3pm.