Hansen tinkers with his pack
February 27, 2002

Wales coach Steve Hansen has made two changes, both in the pack, for Saturday's Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash against Italy in Cardiff.

Ebbw Vale prop Iestyn Thomas is rewarded for recent impressive club form with a recall, taking over from Cardiff's Spencer John, while Newport lock Ian Gough replaces knee-injury victim Craig Quinnell.

John drops down to the replacements' bench, where fit-again Llanelli lock Chris Wyatt comes in for Gough and Neath flanker Brett Sinkinson features on rotation instead of Bath openside Gavin Thomas.

Hansen, encouraged by Wales' battling display when they lost 37-33 against France 11 days ago, has retained the same back division.

And that means another opportunity for the rookie centre partnership of Saracens' Tom Shanklin and Andy Marinos, of Newport, with Iestyn Harris again on the bench.

Wales, who are seeking their first Six Nations win this season, have beaten Italy in all seven previous meetings between the countries.

Wales: K Morgan (Swansea), D James (Bridgend), T Shanklin (Saracens), A Marinos (Newport), C Morgan (Cardiff), S Jones (Llanelli), R Howley (Cardiff), I Thomas (Ebbw Vale), R McBryde (Llanelli), C Anthony (Newport), I Gough (Newport), A Moore (Swansea), N Budgett (Bridgend), M Williams (Cardiff), S Quinnell (Llanelli, capt)

Replacements: B Williams (Neath), S John (Cardiff), C Wyatt (Llanelli), B Sinkinson (Neath), D Peel (Llanelli), I Harris (Cardiff), R Williams (Cardiff)

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices