Coach Warren Gatland is happy with the battle for Wales places

Despite starting the RBS Six Nations with wins over England and Scotland, Gatland has been happy to fine tune.

"We've made six changes, but are in the enviable position of being able to do so without weakening our line-up," said Gatland on Tuesday.

"Players have put their hands up with performances from the bench."

News conference: Warren Gatland

Fly-half Stephen Jones and half-back partner Dwayne Peel are rewarded for good cameos off the bench in Saturday's 30-15 win over Scotland, James Hook and Mike Phillips benched.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Gatland's selection

Props Gethin Jenkins and Rhys Thomas form an all-new starting front row for this campaign.

The sixth change sees wing Mark Jones return to the side at the expense of Jamie Roberts, despite the Blues' youngster making a decent debut against the Scots in Cardiff.

"In Stephen, Dwayne, Mark and Gethin we are a bringing a wealth of experience and talent into the side," Gatland added.

"Although we thought Jamie Roberts had a big, strong and impressive debut in a Wales shirt against Scotland, we have recalled Mark Jones to offer us some extra pace and experience out wide.

"Gareth Delve [the Gloucester back-row again named on the bench] has also shown he is a force to be reckoned with.

"There is consistency of selection elsewhere in the backs with Gavin Henson and Tom Shanklin going well and developing an interesting partnership.

"Both Shane Williams and Lee Byrne can be proud of the contributions they have made to our campaign so far."

Although Wales can secure the Triple Crown when they travel to Dublin to face Ireland on 8 March, Gatland has warned his side not to look beyond the challenge of Italy.

"All talk of Triple Crowns or even Championships needs to be put on hold, we've won two games in a row and it's our mission now to win three," said Gatland.

"The Ireland game will be a defining moment for our season, but we need to be travelling to Dublin with a good win against Italy under our belts.

"If we are not then we are not giving ourselves the best chance of success. Italy are tough opposition and have been progressing well under new coach Nick Mallett.

"They gave England a scare last week and they always rise to the occasion and pick up a result somewhere in the Six Nations and we need to be on our guard."