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Colin Charvis has been an impressive form for Wales in recent weeks, but a dislocated finger
picked up last week has forced the flanker out of Sunday's game with Ireland. Taking the Tabres blind side's spot is Jonathan Thomas, a role
the 20 year old filled in the World cup.
As the biggest contributor in the tackling department Charvis's absence will be a big blow, not to
forget his considerable influence. In recent seasons Welsh coaches would have been willing to take a gamble on such an influential player, but
improved strength in depth allows Hansen to take a more patient approach.
"It is disappointing to lose Colin, who has been playing good Test rugby as well as growing into a
strong leader," said Hansen.
"We have taken the decision which allows Colin's injury to be rectified once and for all, making
him available for the rest of the tournament.
"We are very lucky that we have able replacements in Jonathan Thomas and Alix Popham (on the bench)
from a playing point of view, and Martyn Williams from a leadership perspective.
The other change as revealed earlier in the afternoon, Duncan Jones has surprisingly been dropped, with
Iestyn Thomas being coming in for "tactical" reasons. Hansen refused to reveal in depth the exact reasons, although it is believed
Irish Tighthead John Hayes will be targeted as a weak link in the Irish front row. Thomas will pack down with Robin McBryde in the front row,
as the fellow Scarlet returns at hooker .
Gareth Llewellyn is also given the week off in another tactical move by Hansen, as Robert Sidoli has
shaken off the groin niggle to a suitable enough level. Subsequently Alix Popham makes the bench .
The backs along with the rest of the bench remain unchanged from last week.
Wales team to face Ireland on Sunday
- Gareth Thomas (Warriors)
- Rhys Williams (Blues)
- Sonny Parker (Warriors)
- Iestyn Harris (Blues)
- Shane Williams (Ospreys)
- Stephen Jones (Scarlets)
- Gareth Cooper (Warriors)
- Iestyn Thomas (Scarlets)
- Robin McBryde (Scarlets)
- Adam Jones (Ospreys)
- Robert Sidoli (Warriors)
- Brent Cockbain (Warriors)
- Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys)
- Martyn Williams (Blues)
- Dafydd Jones (Scarlets)
Replacements-
- Gethin Jenkins (Warriors)
- Mefin Davies (Warriors)
- Michael Owen (Dragons)
- Alix Popham (Leeds)
- Dwayne Peel (Scarlets)
- Ceri Sweeney (Warriors)
- Tom Shanklin (Blues)
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