Gatland keeps faith with Jones
WALES coach Warren Gatland has made two changes for the RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland on Saturday — but lock Alun Wyn Jones keeps his place.
Jones was sin-binned during Wales's 30-17 defeat at Twickenham on Saturday, and England scored 17 unanswered points in his absence.
British and Irish Lions Test player Jones was strongly criticised by a furious Gatland after the game, but has avoided the humiliation of being dropped.
Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny returns to the side instead of his Blues colleague Tom James, while Ospreys forward Jonathan Thomas replaces lock Luke Charteris following a poor display by the Welsh line-out at Twickenham.
Prop Gethin Jenkins, who missed the England loss due to a calf muscle injury, is one of five Blues players named on the bench.
Jenkins though, faces further fitness checks later this week.
Scrum-half and hooker were also areas of possible scrutiny for Gatland, but he has decided to retain the Blues pair of Gareth Cooper and Gareth Williams.
Gatland said: "Jonathan Thomas brings more than 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field.
"Leigh Halfpenny is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option, and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run-up to the England game allows his selection.
"We are pleased to be able to name Gethin Jenkins, although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week."
Despite the England defeat, Wales could still make an assault on the Six Nations title, especially as three of their remaining four games — starting against Scotland — are in Cardiff.
The Scots have not triumphed in the Welsh capital since 2002, while they can only claim three Six Nations wins from 25 starts on the road.
Gatland added: "We were all disappointed with the result last weekend.
"But the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland.
"The championship is by no means over. We are back at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.
"This is a must-win game for us."
Wales: L Byrne (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Blues), J Hook (Ospreys), J Roberts (Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Blues); P James (Ospreys), G Williams (Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), J Thomas (Ospreys), A W Jones (Ospreys), A Powell (Blues), M Williams (Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt). Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Blues), B Davies (Blues), S Warburton (Blues), R Rees (Blues), A Bishop (Ospreys), T Shanklin (Blues).







4 Comments
by DJ, Swansea
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 2:35PM
“As has already been said, how on earth is Cooper still in the team. Against a poor England side he was useless, never has been and never will be international class. As for Jones his stupid mistakes have cost Wales dear in the past as well as against England, he should have lost his place for the rest of the 6 nations and told to get his act together if he wants to play for Wales again. Saturdays game just proves how little strength in depth we have, with first choice 15 we will give anybody a game, with a few injuries, we looked 2nd rate to another poor team.”
by Chris, London
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 6:12AM
“An incomprehensible team - how has Cooper retained his place. Why aren't Gethin and Huw Bennett starting? Where is Gough? And why 2 centres on the bench? Struggling to understand any logic behind this team. I'm a believer in picking your strongest XV (or 22) and this isn't it.”
by Robert, Cardiff
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 10:49PM
“What has Cooper done to retain his starting place? He must have been ¿training¿ well again because he was woeful on Saturday. Clearly Gatland is not looking further than Phillips. What happens if we find ourselves in this position at the RWC? Surely, Richie Rees deserves a start after an impressive first cap?!?”
by michael c clarke, swansea
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 5:17PM
“silly yes but alan wyn jones is a
great player he knows is mistake i think”