Thomas and Wyatt back to face England
March 20, 2002

Wales show two changes from the side which beat Italy for Saturday's Six Nations Championship clash against England at Twickenham.

Bridgend centre Gareth Thomas returns to midfield to claim his 57th cap while Llanelli lock Chris Wyatt has ousted Newport forward Ian Gough.

Thomas, with 26 Test tries to his name, will give the midfield added physical presence. His last international start came against world champions Australia four months ago.

Fly-half Stephen Jones, meanwhile, did not train this morning after experiencing a muscle spasm earlier.

But 42-times capped flanker Colin Charvis, another player recalled by Hansen, starts on the bench as cover for back-row trio Nathan Budgett, Martyn Williams and Scott Quinnell.

Captain Quinnell wins his 50th cap, leading Wales into battle at a ground where they have not triumphed since Adrian Hadley's two tries inspired an 11-3 success 14 years ago.

Team: K Morgan (Swansea); D James (Bridgend), G Thomas (Bridgend), A Marinos (Newport), C Morgan (Cardiff); S Jones (Llanelli), R Howley (Cardiff); I Thomas (Ebbw Vale), R McBryde (Llanelli), C Anthony (Newport), A Moore (Swansea), C Wyatt (Llanelli), N Budgett (Bridgend), M Williams (Cardiff), S Quinnell (Llanelli, captain).

Replacements: B Williams (Neath), S John (Cardiff), I Gough (Newport) or G Llewellyn (Neath), C Charvis (Swansea), D Peel (Llanelli), I Harris (Cardiff), R Williams (Cardiff) or T Shanklin (Saracens).

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