Print

Mail

wiki links

Morgan, Thomas back for Wales' match against Italy

Scotland's Dave Lallam, left, bears down on Wales' Kevin Morgan during their Six Nations rugby match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, on Feb. 10. PHOTO: AP

Wales received a huge boost in their bid to avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon on Monday when first choice fullback Kevin Morgan was named in their starting line-up for the crucial encounter with Italy in Rome on Saturday.

The 30-year-old broke his jaw in the 21-9 defeat to Scotland last month and was forced to sit out the 32-21 loss to France 10 days ago and was expected to miss the Italy clash but has made an extraordinary recovery.

Morgan replaces Lee Byrne which is the only change to the starting line-up from the French match.

Also back is former captain Gareth Thomas, who has missed all three previous matches through a four week suspension he picked up during his club side Toulouse's European Cup match with Ulster on Jan. 21.

He admitted to flicking his middle finger at Ulster supporters during the match and was also found guilty of attempting to jump into the crowd.

However the 32-year-old 90-times capped back has overcome the belief that his international career was over -- as the Welsh did not appeal his suspension -- and will be one of just two backs on the bench.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins named an entire front row on the bench which gives him room to maneuver against an Italian scrum that is regarded as one of the best in the tournament and were outstanding in the historic away win over Scotland last time out.

However, while one former captain earned a recall there was no such luck for another as flanker Colin Charvis was still left out in the cold, despite earning more rave reviews in the Dragons' win over Glasgow last Friday.

The underfire Welsh coach said that he was delighted to have both Morgan and Thomas back and his decision to field more scrummagers on the bench was a tribute to the strength of the Italian pack.

"It's a welcome boost to us all to have someone of Kevin's calibre, in the form he is currently in, available to play," Jenkins said.

"Gareth Thomas will also strengthen the squad and he takes his place on the bench more than ready to make his return after seven weeks of no rugby.

"He's been training hard and has all the experience necessary to make an impact if called upon.

"The Italians probably have the strongest scrum in the Six Nations and there is a certain amount of horses for courses in selection to reflect that.

"With only two backs on the bench we've looked at Gareth for his versatility," Jenkins said.
This story has been viewed 1055 times.