Gatland recalls Jones

Gatland recalls Jones

25 Nov 2008

Wales coach Warren Gatland has dropped 19-year-old wing Leigh Halfpenny and called in Mark Jones for their match against the Wallabies.

Halfpenny made his debut against the Springboks and has been impressive in all three Tests, but Gatland has opted for 42-times capped Jones. “In Mark Jones, we have a player who has been in form, but was kept out after being injured for our opening fixture by Leigh’s impressive showing,” said Gatland.

“But he now has an opportunity to re-stake his claim, and we are sure he will rise to that particular challenge. Leigh has represented himself well in his first three caps for his country and made a real impact on the international scene.

“But he is a young man, and after three huge games in succession, we have decided to look after him and have him to sit this one out,” he said.

The other change is enforced as lock Ian Evans has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Ian Gough replaces him, as Luke Charteris comes onto the bench.

Wales – 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Mark Jones, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jaimie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Ryan Jones (c), 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Subs: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Daffyd Jones, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 James Hook, 22 Andrew Bishop.


10 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 15:29 pm

    hattrick

  • 2.grant10: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 15:29 pm

    3 for the day…what do i win !!

  • 3.oxfordshark: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 15:34 pm

    Noddy badge!!

  • 4.grant10: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 15:46 pm

    #3 oxfordshark: send it to my clifton address please..LOL

  • 5.oxfordshark: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 15:55 pm

    #4 grant10: Hmm,not very nice to use the Clifton word when we freezing our nut$ off on this wonderful island in the middle of the modder dam.

  • 6.Cheetha Champs: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 16:48 pm

    I would have stuck with Halfpenny – has shown nice hunger so far.

    Also not sure how much longer he will persist with Jones when Hook is CLEARLY the better 10.

    Lastly, I would like to compliment Lee Byrne at 15. IMHO he has been the best no 15 on show throughout all the tests. Classy player

  • 7.Blouste: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 18:09 pm

    #6 Cheetha Champs: Totally agree on the Welsh 15

  • 8.HughBloodyBladen: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 19:08 pm

    Isnt it “Andy” Powell?

  • 9.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 20:13 pm

    Don’t you just get the impression that Gatland is always totally in control of everything, has some serious plans and is always one step ahead of everyone else?

  • 10.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Nov 2008, 20:33 pm

    #2 grant10: You only have to ask!!! LOL :-) :-)

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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