Former England coach Jack Rowell on Thursday backed Jonathan Humphreys' leadership qualities to shine through in Wales' time of need.

Bath hooker Humphreys will captain Wales against RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, appointed as replacement for Colin Charvis in a shock move by Wales coach Steve Hansen.

Charvis is among several players who pay the price for an abject display when Wales came unstuck 30-22 in Italy last weekend.

Centre Leigh Davies, fly-half Iestyn Harris, scrum-half Dwayne Peel, hooker Mefin Davies and flanker Michael Owen are also axed, with Hansen calling up respective replacements Mark Taylor, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Humphreys and Dafydd Jones.

Charvis' back-row place is filled by Gavin Thomas, joining Bath team-mates Humphreys and Cooper in the starting XV.

Humphreys, 34 next week, captained Wales 17 times between 1995 and 1997 but he last represented his country during the 1999 World Cup.

Rowell, though, has no doubt that Hansen has turned to the right player as Wales seek a first home win against England since 1993.

"Joining Bath Rugby has relaunched Jonathan's career, as we have seen through his performances for the club this season," said Bath rugby director Rowell.

"His leadership qualities are very evident, and thus in Wales' time of need, it is no surprise that they have recalled him as hooker and as captain.

"We wish him all the very best of luck on Saturday."

Humphreys, who paid tribute to Bath coach and former Australian Test hooker Michael Foley for "rekindling" his interest in rugby, knew nothing about his unexpected international recall until Tuesday night.

"It is a huge surprise," said Humphreys, who joined Bath last summer after 13 years with Cardiff.

"(Wales team manager) Alan Phillips rang me on Tuesday night and asked if I would come over and help out. I had a chat with Steve (Hansen) on Wednesday morning, and he said he would like me to start and be captain.

"It is something that you would never, ever turn down, but this is definitely not long-term. I see it as helping out, and I am more than happy to do so.

"It is all a bit surreal, but if you look at the hooking situation then there are an unusual number of injuries and there are a lot of people who would have been picked ahead of me - I am the first to admit that."

Humphreys' major task will be to try and restore battered pride following the Italian reversal, although few people, especially the bookmakers, give Wales a prayer of shunting England's Grand Slam chariot off course.

"I was obviously dismayed and upset by what happened in Italy last weekend, and I intend to make sure that everyone plays with a courage and desire," Humphreys added.

"I think that the attitude is there for Saturday, and it is a huge opportunity for everyone against an England side that I think is the best in the world at the moment.

"I would like everyone to play with confidence and courage. If you can do that, then you don't end up far short.

"Welsh rugby does need to stand up for itself on Saturday - we have to go out there and be positive."