Alun Wyn Jones
Alun Wyn Jones - set for his first Welsh start
Jenkins names two new caps
7 June 2006, 4:43 pm
By Jonathan McConnell
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has picked two uncapped players from his young touring squad to start the first Test against Argentina in Puerto Madryn on Sunday - and names a further three potential debutants on the bench.
Ospreys pair Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones will make debut appearances in the first team selection of Jenkins' reign as Wales head coach. 
On the bench a further three players could win their first caps for Wales if called upon during the game, with the Ospreys fly-half James Hook and hooker Richard Hibbard joining Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas in bids to make an appearance.

Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Robinson pulls on the red shirt to win his 14th cap, after spending three seasons in the international wilderness through injury, and Llanelli Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees makes only his second appearance for his country.
Robinson will play alongside his brother Nicky for only the second time at this level - the first being against Ireland in Dublin in 2003 - and the duo are joined in the back line by incumbents Lee Byrne, Mark Jones, Shane Williams and Mike Phillips.

Evans makes his debut partnering the most senior player in the team, 30-year-old Ian Gough in the second row, with his regional colleague Jones joining a back row consisting of Llanelli Scarlets pair Gavin Thomas and Alix Popham.
Ospreys prop Adam Jones joins Rees and his club and country captain Duncan Jones in the front row.

"We've brought a young squad to Argentina and remained faithful to that selection policy by picking a young team with an average of just 16 caps each and just one player in Shane Williams who has made over 30 appearances," said Jenkins.
"We're proud to be able to give the honour of a first Wales cap to both Ian and Alun who have been picked on merit and, we believe, will do a job for us out there on Sunday.
"A mention should also go to James Hook, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Thomas who have impressed us all and will undoubtedly meet the challenge of international rugby if called upon."

Wales have beaten Argentina on six occasions and lost twice, but the historical significance of the first ever Test match to be played in the Welsh speaking Puerto Manderin carries the most weight in Jenkins' eyes.
"The experiences we have had already in Patagonia have been eye opening and we have been quite literally made to feel right at home here.
"The occasion on Sunday will be historic, but we know we must focus on the task in hand and be at the very top of our game if we are to stand a chance of beating the Pumas."

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Jamie Robinson (Cardiff Blues),  Matthew Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Mike Phillips (Cardiff Blues); Duncan Jones (Ospreys - Captain), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys and Swansea), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys and Swansea), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets)
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Bath Rugby), Andy Williams (Bath Rugby), James Hook (Ospreys and Neath), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues).

All Pictures: ©  http://www.inpho.ie/, Huw Evans Agency,  Martin Stuart
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