Gethin Jenkins leads Wales vs Italy

Posted on Mar 6, 2012 in Latest Rugby News

Gethin Jenkins will lead Wales in their 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday with squad captain Sam Warburton ruled out of contention this weekend with a knee problem.

In one of two changes, both up front, to the starting line-up which beat England to lift the Triple Crown at Twickenham last time out, Blues open-side flanker Warburton is replaced by fellow back row specialist Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) who wins his fourth cap, but makes his first start for Wales.

Former squad captain Matthew Rees will pack down at hooker between fellow 2009 British & Irish Lions props Jenkins and Adam Jones (Ospreys) to win his 49th cap, replacing fellow Scarlet Ken Owens who moves to the bench.

In the backs a rapid return from injury for Blues centre Jamie Roberts (knee) means Wales are able to field the same back line for the fourth match running.

There are three changes on the bench with Owens replacing Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard and Dragons lock Luke Charteris, who completed his return from a wrist injury for his region on Friday, in for the promoted Tipuric.  Perpignan fly-half James Hook, now fully recovered from the illness (chicken pox) which meant he was a last minute withdrawal last week in London, returns to the bench in place of Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones.

Blues prop Jenkins wins his 86th cap having led Wales three times already, the first time against South Africa in November 2007 when he became the 125th Welsh captain, and he takes charge of a side victorious in its last three matches and leading the Championship table with just two weekends of action left.

“Due to injuries to all three players at one time or another we have not been able to field this 2009 Lions front row too often and so, although we are more than happy with the job Ken has done for us, we are giving Matthew the opportunity make his contribution as the competition reaches its climax,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are back at the Millennium Stadium in front of our home fans and we need to refocus sharply, after our Triple Crown triumph at Twickenham, if we are to give ourselves the best chance of being in contention for the Championship going into that final weekend against France.

“Italy will be hoping to find us complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted by this Wales team or satisfy the nation behind us and all of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent.”

Tickets sales are about to break through the 60,000 mark and, although tickets are selling in their hundreds on a daily basis, with 74,500 seats the Millennium Stadium still has capacity. Tickets are available online at wru.co.uk and ticketlineuk.com or from the telephone hotline 02920 230130.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

  15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
  DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
  International record: 30 caps (W 15, L 15; 119 pts – 11T, 5C, 18PG)

  14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
  DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs
  International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1; 5 pts – 1T)

  13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
  DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 8lb / 105kgs
  International record: 24 caps (W 14, L 10; 35 pts – 7T)

  12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
  DoB: 08.11.86.  6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 42 caps (W 21, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

  11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
  DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
  International record: 19 caps (W 9, L 9, D 1; 50 pts – 10T)

  10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
  DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
  International record: 13 caps (W 9, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

  9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
  DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
  International record: 63 caps (W 31, L 30, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

  1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,006)
  DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 19st 1lb / 121kgs
  International record: 85 caps (W 39, L 44, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

  2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)
  DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs
  International record: 48 caps (W 20, L 27, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

  3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
  DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
  International record: 78 caps (W 38, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  4 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
  DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
  International record: 60 caps (W 26, L 34; 35 pts – 7T)

  5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
  DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
  International record: 20 caps (W 9, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

  6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
  DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
  International record: 22 caps (W 10, L 11, D 1)

  7 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,087)
  DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

  8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
  DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

  REPLACEMENTS

  16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
  DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 3)

  17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
  DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
  International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1)

  18 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
  DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
  International record: 32 caps (W 16, L 16)

  19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
  DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 12lbs / 113kgs
  International record: 61 caps (W 31, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

  20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,086)
  DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 1lb / 89kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

  21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
  DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs
  International record: 61 caps (W 27, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

  22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
  DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
  International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 25 pts – 5T)

Sam keeps the Captain’s armband

Posted on Nov 21, 2011 in Wales, Welsh Rugby

Sam Warburton will continue as national captain for Wales’ Dove Men Challenge clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 3 December (2.30pm)– and he leads a 28-man squad which retains the majority of Wales’ much heralded 2011 Rugby World Cup side.

Shane Williams, who has announced his retirement from international rugby, plays his final match in Welsh colours, but the game is also billed as a ‘homecoming’ for the Wales squad which boosted national pride by reaching the RWC semi-finals in New Zealand and is a re-match of the tournament’s third-placed play-off game, which saw the Wallabies victorious last month.

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees, who was originally set to lead Wales in New Zealand before withdrawing through injury, returns to the squad alongside two other players who featured in head coach Warren Gatland’s preliminary RWC training squad – Blues prop Scott Andrews and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric,

Ospreys pair Dan Biggar and Ian Evans both return to the international fold, with 22-year-old fly-half Biggar set to add to his eight caps after last featuring for Wales in November 2010 against Fiji.

Lock Evans, 27, made his last appearance three years ago, against New Zealand in November 2008 at Millennium Stadium,and will bid to add to the 16 caps which saw him make his debut on tour to Argentina in 2006 and earned him a Grand Slam winners medal with four RBS 6 Nations appearances in 2008.

Elsewhere three uncapped players join Wales’ RWC stars, Dragons flanker Lewis Evans, Blues wing Alex Cuthbert and Scarlets full-back Liam Williams all look to make their Wales and Millennium Stadium debuts.

“As we have gone with the majority of our Rugby World Cup squad we have maintained continuity by selecting Sam again as captain for this game, but it is a significant boost for us to have someone of the experience and stature of Matthew Rees back in the squad which, in turn, means there is considerable competition in the hooker’s position with both Huw Bennett and Lloyd Burns also with us,”said Gatland.

“The fans have a chance to show the players how proud they are of them after their World Cup performances and it should be quite an occasion at the Millennium Stadium, especially with the Shane Williams factor thrown in, but we won’t be sitting back and soaking up the atmosphere – Shane will want to go out in style and this squad wants to, and needs to, get back to winning ways.

“We have another chance to beat a Southern Hemisphere team, which is always a yardstick by which we measure ourselves, we have the opportunity to avenge the play-off defeat in New Zealand, but we can also send a message to our Six Nations opponents next year, that our RWC performances should not be seen in isolation and this young squad will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as we build to the next world cup in 2015.”

Welsh qualified players based overseas were not made available for selection.

Wales squad, Dove Men Challenge v Australia (alphabetical order)

FORWARDS: Scott Andrews, Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Danny Lydiate, Matthew Rees, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (Captain)

BACKS: Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Tavis Knoyle, George North, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, Shane Williams

WALES SQUAD

Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 18st 9lbs / 118kgs

International record: 82 caps (W 37, L 43, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)

DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs

International record: 75 caps (W 35, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,081)

DoB: 9.12.88. 6’0”/1.82m. 17st 2lb/109kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3)

Scott ANDREWS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,083)

DoB: 01.08.89. 6’2” / 1.88m. 18st 7lbs / 117kgs

International record: 1 cap (L 1)

Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)

DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 4, L 3; 5 pts – 1T)

Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)

DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs

International record: 48 caps (W 23, L 24, D 1)

Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)

DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs

International record: 47 caps (W 20, L 26, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs

International record: 31 caps (W 14, L 16, D 1)

Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs

International record: 32 caps (W 16, L 16)

Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)

DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs

International record: 16 caps (W 6, L 9, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)

DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs

International record: 23 caps (W 12, L 11; 10 pts – 2T)

Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)

DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs

International record: 19 caps (W 8, L 10, D 1)

Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,086)

DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 10lbs / 100kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)

Lewis EVANS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Uncapped)

DoB: 09.07.87. 1.94m / 6’4”. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: Uncapped

Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)

DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 10 caps (W 5, L 5; 10 pts – 2T)

Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 57 caps (W 28, L 27, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

Tavis KNOYLE (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,076)

DoB: 02.06.90. 6’1” / 1.85m. 14st 5lbs / 91kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3)

Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)

DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs

International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1; 10 pts – 2T)

Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)

DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs

International record: 9 caps (W 6, L 3; 42 pts – 12C, 6PG)

Dan BIGGAR (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,063)

DoB: 16.10.89. 6’2” / 1.88m. 14st 1lbs / 89kgs

International record: 8 caps (W 4, L 3, D 1; 52 pts – 8C, 12PG)

Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 38 caps (W 18, L 20; 20 pts – 4T)

Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)

DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs

International record: 21 caps (W 11, L 10; 25 pts – 5T)

Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)

DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 4, L 3; 20 pts – 4T)

Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)

DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs

International record: 86 caps (W 41, L 43, D 2; 285 pts – 57T)

George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)

DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs

International record: 15 caps (W 6, L 8, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Uncapped)

DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs

International record: Uncapped

Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs

International record: 26 caps (W 12, L 14; 72 pts – 9T, 9PG)

Liam WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Uncapped)

DoB:09.04.91. 6’2” / 1.88m. 13st 5lbs / 85kgs

International record: Uncapped

Wales starting line-up for semi-final against France

Posted on Oct 13, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Wales have made one change to the starting line-up which triumphed over Ireland last weekend for the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with France at Eden Park on Saturday (Kick-off 9pm).

Perpignan-bound James Hook replaces Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland.

Priestland injured his shoulder during Wales’ impressive 22-10 quarter-final victory over the Irish in Wellington last Saturday.  He was not considered for selection this week and will now continue his rehabilitation over the next few days with a view to returning next week.

On the bench 102-times capped Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones comes in for the promoted Hook, who himself brings 57 caps worth of experience to side.

“Time was against Rhys, but we are happy that we have the talent and ability elsewhere in the squad to cover him,”said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“Rhys has done everything we have asked of him and more during this World Cup, but, when we have players of the calibre and experience of James Hook and Stephen Jones coming into the squad and starting line-up, there is no sense that Rhys’s absence leaves us any weaker.

“We know that the people in Wales and the fans that have travelled here are excited about reaching the semi-finals of the world cup and we are too, but beating France on Saturday must be and will be our sole focus.

“The time to reflect and to celebrate will come if we win our next two matches, until that happens our focus on the task ahead must be absolute.”

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny;  George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Lloyd Burns, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams.

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
  DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
  International record: 24 caps (W 12, L 12; 70 pts – 8T, 10PG)

  14 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
  DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
  International record: 13 caps (W 6, L 6, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

  13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
  DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
  International record: 19 caps (W 11, L 8; 25 pts – 5T)

  12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
  DoB: 08.11.86.  6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 36 caps (W 18, L 18; 20 pts – 4T)

  11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)
  DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
  International record: 84 caps (W 41, L 41, D 2; 280 pts – 56T)

  10 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
  DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
  International record: 57 caps (W 25, L 30, D 2; 320 pts – 12T, 40C, 56PG, 4DG

  9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
  DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
  International record: 58 caps (W 28, L 28, D 2; 35 pts – 7T)

  1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)
  DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 18st 9lbs / 118kgs
  International record: 80 caps (W 37, L 41, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

  2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
  DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
  International record: 46 caps (W 23, L 22, D 1)

  3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
  DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
  International record: 74 caps (W 35, L 36, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  4 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
  DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
  International record: 30 caps (W 16, L 14)

  5 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
  DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs
  International record: 57 caps (W 25, L 32; 35 pts – 7T)

  6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
  DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs
  International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 8, D 1)

  7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
  DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
  International record: 22 caps (W 12, L 10; 10 pts – 2T)

  8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
  DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 8 caps (W 5, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  REPLACEMENTS

  16 Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)
  DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 5 pts – 1T)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
  DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 12, L 16, D 1)

  18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
  DoB: 09.01.87.  6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 13, L 14, D 1)

  19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
  DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 55 caps (W 28, L 25, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

  20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
  DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 3; 10 pts – 2T)

21 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS– Cap No 966)
  DoB: 08.12.77.  6’1” / 1.86m.  14st 7lbs / 92kgs
  International record: 102 caps (W 42, L 56, D 3; 912 pts – 7T, 152C, 185PG, 6DG)

  22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
  DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 20 pts – 4T)

Wales team to play Ireland–Halfpenny at Fullback

Posted on Oct 6, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The Wales side to play Ireland in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday shows four changes, plus two positional switches, from the side who clinched the Pool D runner-up spot with an impressive victory over Fiji last weekend.

Fit again Ospreys wing Shane Williams returns to the back three sparking a positional switch for Scarlets wing George North, who moves from left to right wing to accommodate Wales’ all-time top try scorer, and for Blues flier Leigh Halfpenny (pictured), who moves from wing to full back at the expense of Clermont’s Lee Byrne.

In the centres Jonathan Davies returns to partner Jamie Roberts, with his regional team-mate at the Scarlets, Scott Williams, moving to the bench.

Up front Dragons back row forward Dan Lydiate completes his return from the ankle injury he picked up in Round 2, replacing Osprey Ryan Jones, who also provides cover from the bench.

The final change comes in the second row with Osprey Alun Wyn Jones promoted from bench duty to partner Dragon Luke Charteris, with Blues lock Bradley Davies again retained as a replacement.

Elsewhere on the bench James Hook completes his return from injury to replace Stephen Jones, who is omitted alongside Byrne, to join Williams and Blues scrum half Lloyd Williams in providing cover for the backs.

Ospreys prop Paul James and Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns are retained to provide front row cover alongside lock Davies and flanker Jones.

That means it’s ‘same again’ for the front row of Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Huw Bennett and Adam Jones (both Ospreys), half backs Mike Phillips (Bayonne) and Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), with Dragon Toby Faletau also retained in the back row alongside captain Sam Warburton (Blues).

“This was a tough selection for us, probably one of the longest selection meetings we have ever had, where we went through every possible permutation available to us,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“It’s a great position to be in when you are struggling to find a place for players in the squad and the starting line-up, instead of having to think who can make up the numbers, which has sometimes been the case.

“This is Rugby World Cup quarter-final time and we had some tough decisions to make with the likes of Dan, Shane and James returning from injury and the side having done so well in their recent absence.

“But this is the side we have gone with and, as a 22, we believe it is the side which gives us the best chance of winning this game against an Ireland team which not only topped their group but beat the Wallabies on the way.”

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate Sam Warburton (captain), Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Lloyd Burns, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

  15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
  DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
  International record: 23 caps (W 11, L 12; 67 pts – 8T, 9PG)

  14 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
  DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
  International record: 12 caps (W 5, L 6, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

  13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
  DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
  International record: 18 caps (W 10, L 8; 20 pts – 4T)

  12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
  DoB: 08.11.86.  6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 35 caps (W 17, L 18; 20 pts – 4T)

  11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)
  DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
  International record: 83 caps (W 40, L 41, D 2; 275 pts – 55T)

  10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
  DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
  International record: 8 caps (W 5, L 3; 35 pts – 10C, 5PG)

  9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
  DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
  International record: 57 caps (W 27, L 28, D 2; 30 pts – 6T)

  1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)
  DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 18st 9lbs / 118kgs
  International record: 79 caps (W 36, L 41, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

  2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
  DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
  International record: 45 caps (W 22, L 22, D 1)

  3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
  DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
  International record: 73 caps (W 34, L 36, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  4 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
  DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 15, L 14)

  5 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
  DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs
  International record: 56 caps (W 24, L 32; 35 pts – 7T)

  6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
  DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs
  International record: 16 caps (W 7, L 8, D 1)

  7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
  DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
  International record: 21 caps (W 11, L 10; 10 pts – 2T)

  8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
  DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 7 caps (W 4, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  REPLACEMENTS

  16 Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)
  DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 5 pts – 1T)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
  DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 12, L 16, D 1)

  18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
  DoB: 09.01.87.  6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
  International record: 28 caps (W 13, L 14, D 1)

  19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
  DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 55 caps (W 28, L 25, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

  20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
  DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
  DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
  International record: 56 caps (W 24, L 30, D 2; 320 pts – 12T, 40C, 56PG, 4DG

  22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
  DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 20 pts – 4T)

Wales team to play South Africa

Posted on Sep 9, 2011 in Rugby News, Rugby World Cup, Wales, Welsh Rugby

Wales have reverted largely to the side which triumphed over England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff three weeks ago for their Rugby World Cup opener against the reigning World Champions in Wellington on Sunday (Kick-off 8.30pm.)

The Wales side to face South Africa shows just three personnel changes from that which defeated the 2007 RWC finalists by 19–9 in the pre-tournament warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday 13th August.

Up front Ospreys pair Huw Bennett and Adam Jones come into the front row to replace Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns and Exeter Chiefs bound prop Craig Mitchell respectively, with Burns moving to the bench.

In the backs Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies continues his established midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts (Blues), a combination that was temporarily split up in that England match to accommodate the now injured Gavin Henson.

Davies and Roberts were reunited a week later when Wales beat Argentina (28-13)at the Millennium Stadium in their final match on home soil before leaving for New Zealand, a match which also featured Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, Scarlets scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, Blues second row Bradley Davies and, from the bench, Ospreys prop Ryan Bevington.

Halfpenny, Knoyle, Davies and Bevington all join Burns in providing cover from the bench against the Springboks and are joined by Scarlets centre Scott Williams, Sales Sharks back row Andy Powell.

Bayonne-bound scrum-half Mike Phillips reforms his half-back partnership with Scarlet Rhys Priestland. An exciting back three of James Hook (Perpignan), George North (Scarlets) and Shane Williams (Ospreys) completes the backline.

Up front the established back row of captain Sam Warburton (Blues), Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau (Dragons) is retained, another Dragon Luke Charteris partners Osprey Alun Wyn Jones at lock and prop Paul James (Ospreys) completes the starting line-up.

“We are looking to get our World Cup campaign off to a winning start,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“If you get the world champions in your pool you want to play them first up and throw everything you’ve got at them.

“We’ve got the toughest group in the competition, but we know if we can come through we will be in good shape.  The players have done everything we have asked of them so far, they have worked incredibly hard.”

WALES: James Hook; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Lloyd Burns, Ryan Bevington, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Tavis Knoyle, Scott Williams, Leigh Halfpenny

BIOGS

15 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 54 caps (W 23, L 29, D 2; 303 pts – 12T, 39C, 51PG, 4DG)
14 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 2, L 5, D 1; 30 pts – 6T)
13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 7, L 7; 10 pts – 2T)
12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 15, L 17; 10 pts – 2T)
11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976
DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
International record: 81 caps (W 39, L 40, D 2; 270 pts – 54T)
10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2; 10 pts – 2C, 2PG)
9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 54 caps (W 25, L 27, D 2; 30 pts – 6T)
1 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 26 caps (W 10, L 15, D 1)
2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
International record: 42 caps (W 20, L 21, D 1)
3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
International record: 70 caps (W 32, L 35, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)
4 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030
DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
International record: 25 caps (W 12, L 13)
5 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs
International record: 52 caps (W 21, L 31; 30 pts – 6T)
6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071
DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 6, L 7, D 1)
7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, – Cap No 1,070 – CAPTAIN)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)
8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)
REPLACEMENTS:
16 Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,081)
DoB: 9.12.88. 6’0”/1.82m. 17st 2lb/109kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)
17 Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)
DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)
18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 10, L 13, D 1)
19 Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4” / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 18 caps (W 9, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)
20 Tavis KNOYLE (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,076)
DoB: 02.06.90. 6’1” / 1.85m. 14st 5lbs / 91kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3)
21 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)
22 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
International record: 20 caps (W 8, L 12; 62 pts – 7T, 9PG)