Magners League Official Website : Welsh squad to tour Argentina announced

Duncan Jones - skippers Wales in Argentina

Welsh squad to tour Argentina announced

10 May 2006, 1:39 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

New Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has picked Ospreys prop Duncan Jones to lead Wales in their two Tests against Argentina early next month. In addition, Jenkins has selected five uncapped players, including four from the Ospreys in his youthful 28-man squad.

Ospreys locks Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones both make the grade along with fellow Osprey, hooker Richard Hibbard and Ospreys academy, Neath, Wales Under 21 and Sevens outside half James Hook while Dragons prop Rhys Thomas has also made the tour party.

"If you include Chris Czekaj, we will have three current under 21 internationals on tour with us, along with Ian Evans who played a major role in last season's Under 21 Grand Slam-winning team which is hugely exciting," said Jenkins.

"Rhys Thomas and Richard Hibbard have impressed me recently and I am looking forward to seeing how they perform under the pressure of an international environment.

"With regards the captaincy, this is a tremendous opportunity for Duncan and the appointment will give me the chance to see how he handles the responsibility as a potential captain of the future.

"Since I began in the job a week ago, I have looked at the period leading up to the 2007 World Cup, which includes 16 international matches and I have sought expert opinions and advice from medical staff and conditioning coaches.

"There is no doubt that this summer tour is key to our World Cup aspirations. Certain players have not been considered because they are undergoing a period of rehabilitation following injury or operations, others have injuries that need further investigation and possible surgery over the summer, while there is a group who are simply in need of rest and a structured conditioning programme leading into a prolonged pre-season programme. That process is key if we are to get to September /October with a healthy squad of players who are repaired, re-energised, conditioned and producing performances that they weren't able to last season.

"I am positive about this tour selection. It is a great opportunity to look at some of our top young players and expose them to the challenging environment of an international tour.

"It will allow me to spend time with them and observe them under the pressure of international responsibility. It will allow me to assess what strength in depth is available to us as we progress towards the World Cup deadline. I am hoping that blooding some of our exciting young talent will give me extra challenges and selection headaches as we go forward into next season. Having a large group of players fit and energised will have a big bearing on our World Cup ambitions.

"I am confident this group of players can be competitive in Argentina and has the chance of being successful. This is an exciting, young squad and I am hugely looking forward to see how they react.

"All of the selected players have put in impressive performances of late and, while they may not all gain Test experience on this tour, they will all gain a vital taste of what it takes to gain that honour and will add to our options and competitiveness."

Wales summer tour squad:
Full back: Lee Byrne; Wings: Chris Czekaj, Shane Williams, Mark Jones; Centres: Jamie Robinson, Hal Luscombe, Matthew Watkins, Gavin Henson; Outside Halves: James Hook, Nicky Robinson; Scrum Halves: Michael Phillips, Andy Williams; Props: Duncan Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas; Hookers: Huw Bennett, Richard Hibbard, Matthew Rees; Second rows: Luke Charteris, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones; Back rowers: Gareth Delve, Dafydd Jones, Alix Popham, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Gavin Thomas.

Players unavailable due to injury / rehab:
Gareth Thomas, Tom Shanklin, Kevin Morgan, Gareth Cooper, Chris Horsman, Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones, Jamie Roberts.

Players in need of further medical investigation or surgery:
Dwayne Peel (ankle), Ceri Sweeney (groin), Barry Davies (groin), Jonathan Thomas (knee tendon).

Players rested or in need of specific conditioning programmes:
Stephen Jones, Robert Sidoli, Rhys Thomas, Martyn Williams, Michael Owen.