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.
PHOTO: AP
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.
PHOTO: AP
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.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely