Henson returns to starting line-up for Wales
Henson returns to the starting line-up for Wales
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Thursday, 05, Mar 2009 01:52
Gavin Henson has been named in Wales' starting XV for the Six Nations game against Italy next weekend.
The Ospreys centre will start for the first time since the grand slam decider against France last year.
Alun-Wyn Jones will captain the Wales team which retains just five players from the one which lost to France last Friday night, in Warren Gatland's first Six Nations defeat.
The Ospreys lock joins Blues number eight Andy Powell as the only forwards to keep their places, while in the backs Ospreys pair full back Lee Byrne and wing Shane Williams return and Blues back Jamie Roberts moving wider to outside-centre.
"We have made a series of changes with no disrespect to Italy," said Gatland on his team selection.
"If we are to consistently be one of the top four or five teams in the world we need to back the depth in our squad, we have made changes but there are arguments to say we are stronger in certain positions.
"If I was playing against Italy I would be excited about both the opportunity which presents itself and, looking around me, about the team which has been selected.
"We have come a long way in the last 12 months and achieved a fantastic amount, but the best teams in the world develop depth of experience in their squad and back themselves.
"The choice of Alun-Wyn as captain next week is an example of us doing exactly that and also looking to the future."
Wales XV to face Italy: Lee Byrne; Mark Jones, Jamie Roberts, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; James Hook, Dwayne Peel; John Yapp, Huw Bennett, Rhys Thomas, Luke Charteris, Alun-Wyn Jones (captain), Jonathan Thomas, Dafydd Jones, Andy Powell
Replacements: Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Tom Shanklin.