In almost regular fashion, Wales Online have started their Six Nations coverage by comparing the potential lineups for Wales' opening games - Ireland and Wales. Instead of the pre-game match ratings that they used to do - Andy Howell has attempted to make a composite XV of the two teams.
He's made some curious decisions in his XV, most notably some strange Welsh decisions - when other Welsh players would be better options. While he has only five Irish players (we think there should be seven), we have three extra Welsh players that the Wales Online didn't choose.
Here's who they went for - be sure to let us know what your combined XV would be.
15. Rob Kearney
We're all agreed that were Leigh Halfpenny fit, he'd take this slot with ease. But without him, it's a tough choice. Gareth Anscombe hasn't shown his full talent in the northern hemisphere, and I'd back him to show his Super Rugby form over a patchy Rob Kearney nervously looking over his shoulder at possible charges from Jared Payne or Simon Zebo.
Should be: Gareth Anscombe
14. Alex Cuthbert
Alex Cuthbert's star has fallen so far that he doesn't even start for Wales any more. If we knew who would start for Ireland, then maybe they would get in ahead of Cuthbert (probably Trimble?), but the hot stepping Hallam Amos is a thrill to watch, and a nightmare to defend. The type of player I'd want in my team.
Should be: Hallam Amos
13. Jonathan Davies
I've never been a fan of Jonathan Davies. His passing ability isn't good enough for the U-8's, and he's one of the more over-rated players in this hemisphere. Yes, he runs some excellent lines, and his defense is strong - but I'm taking that and more when I pick Robbie Henshaw.
Should be: Robbie Henshaw
12. Jamie Roberts
With Henshaw moved out to 13, that just leaves Roberts to do what he does best. Seeing this pair dovetail together could be the poetry that O'Driscoll and Roberts produced in South Africa seven years ago.
Should be: Jamie Roberts
11. George North
George North just about gets into any World XV. No Ireland winger does.
Should be: George North
10. Johnny Sexton
This is a closer battle that it was six months ago. Dan Biggar has finally won over the Welsh public, and despite a dip in the form of Sexton, I'm more than happy to go along with Wales Online's view that Sexton takes this spot.
Should be: Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
This may have been a tougher choice before Rhys Webb's injury, especially with doubts about Murray's fitness and form. Once the Munster scrumhalf shakes off what's wrong with him, he's in the conversation for the World XV, albeit behind Aaron Smith.
Should be: Conor Murray
1. Gethin Jenkins
Probably the most eye-opening selection of all is Gethin Jenkins. The former Lions test prop is far from his best, and isn't even the best loosehead prop in Wales any more. Scarlets prop Rob Evans would be provide a tougher challenge to future Lions test prop Jack McGrath - who Andy Howell thinks is "but he isn’t in Jenkins’ league as a front row forward."
Should be: Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
Every now and then, Gatland falls in love with a workhorse who shines for a year or two before fading into obsecurity. First it was Andy Powell, then it was Richard Hibbard. How Hibbard was selected on the Lions ahead of Rory Best, I'll never know. Best is still under-rated outside of Ireland.
Should be: Rory Best
3. Marty Moore
The Western Mail actually shows Moore a lot of respect here, claiming that the young prop will be Mike Ross' future successor. Which is probably true, and Moore is very very good. But Samson Lee is a specimen and a frightening prospect. Lee is a freak, having already destroyed a South African scrum in his short career. This is a future multiple test Lion. He's that good.
Should be: Samson Lee
4. Luke Charteris
Further proof that Devin Toner isn't too rated outside of, well, Dublin. Luke Charteris isn't anything special, and I'm going to pluck for Toner's lineout acumen, and surprising ball-handling skills and workrate over Charteris' workrate. Charteris' biggest strength is his height 6'9'' and his tackling (he famously was attributed 36 tackles against Ireland last Six Nations, before a stat correction), but Toner is taller and works equally as hard.
Should be: Devin Toner
5. Alun Wyn Jones
I'm genuinely scared that Alun Wyn Jones is only 30 years old. That's frightening. He should be the Lions captain in 2017, but won't be.
Should be: Alun Wyn Jones
6. Dan Lydiate
Dan Lydiate is not the force he was in 2011. His effectiveness has faded with increased emphasis on tackle rules, and all of Peter O'Mahony, Justin Tipuric, and Sean O'Brien are better options. Just Gatland and Wales Online don't know that.
Should be: Sean O'Brien
7. Sam Warburton
Gatland's right hand man. It would be a tough choice between himself and O'Brien - which Wales Online agonised over - but I don't like tough choices and decided on both. Why must life be so hard?
Should be: Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
But how long will it take for us to have CJ Stander in here?
Should be: Toby Faletau
