Six Nations
Wales pick reckless Jones
2010-02-09 17:16
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Cardiff - Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones has been given the chance to atone for his sin-binning against England after being named in the starting line-up for this Saturday's Six Nations clash at home to Scotland.
Jones was yellow carded with the score at 3-3 for a reckless trip on England hooker Dylan Hartley during Wales's tournament openert at Twickenham last Saturday.
In his absence, England scored 17 unanswered points and eventually won the match 30-17.
Wales coach Warren Gatland was furious after the match with Jones's lack of discipline but has resisted the temptation to drop the second row.
However, the New Zealander made two changes to his starting line-up for what he said was a "must-win" match against a Scotland side beaten 18-9 by France in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny returns in place of his club colleague Tom James, who spurned a try-scoring chance against England when he knocked on, while up front Ospreys lock Jonathan Thomas comes in for Luke Charteris after Wales were outplayed at the lineout at Twickenham.
Prop Gethin Jenkins, who missed the England match with a calf injury, is on the bench but faces further fitness tests before his place is confirmed.
Gatland, explaining his changes, said Tuesday: "Jonathan Thomas brings more than 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field.
"Leigh Halfpenny is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option, and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run-up to the England game allows his selection.
"We are pleased to be able to name Gethin Jenkins, although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week."
Wales, despite their loss to England, are by no means out of contention for the Championship especially as three of their four remaining games are in Cardiff.
Scotland have not won in the Welsh capital since 2002, while their last 25 away matches in the Six Nations have yielded just three wins.
Gatland added: "We were all disappointed with the result last weekend.
"But the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland.
"The championship is by no means over. We are back at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign. This is a must-win game for us."
Wales (15-1):
Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Ryan Jones (capt), Martyn Williams, Andy Powell; Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas; Adam Jones, Gareth Williams, Paul James
Substitutes: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
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