Wales Team For Sunday


By Lestyn 03/02/04
March 4 2004

Steve Hansen has finalised his side to face France on Sunday, which includes four new faces. Duncan Jones's is surprising absent again at loose head, as Wales look to combat a very big French pack, subsequently Martyn Williams is dropped to the bench in place of the returning Charvis.

Rather than pressing the inevitable alarm bells after the drubbing in Dublin, Hansen has opted against a drastic overhaul of personnel with the backline staying settled, other than the forced absence of Sonny Parker.

With a likely international retirement looming at the end of the Six nations, Mark Taylor returns at outside centre ahead of the now notorious wonder-sub Tom Shanklin.

Somehow Rhys Williams holds on to the number fourteen shirt, despite the threat posed by the dangerous French back line.

As expected Ben Evans returns on the bench due to Adam Jones's ankle injury worry, but considering Jones usually only lasts for thirty minutes he cannot be that much of a blow. However some concern has to be over Gethin Jenkins's inexperience at tighthead, in particular his scrummaging.

Robert Sidoli is dropped from the 22 altogether. Some may consider it a harsh call, realistically though Sid has failed to find any form since the World cup. Michael Owen moves into the vacant second row spot.

Wales team For France on Sunday;


What are your thoughts? Share them on the Message Board