Wales bolster scrum for powerful Boks

Cardiff Arms Park in Wales. Photo: Steve Haag

Cardiff Arms Park in Wales. Photo: Steve Haag

Published Nov 27, 2014

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Cardiff - Wales coach Warren Gatland would’ve breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday after he was able to include veteran loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins in the starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against the Springboks.

Gatland already had to do without loosehead Paul James and hooker Richard Hibbard, who had to return to their English clubs this week as the Test falls outside the official window.

So, if Jenkins, who is the most-capped Welsh player in history on 109, had to remain on the sidelines with a hamstring problem that saw him last week’s game against New Zealand, the home side would’ve had serious problems in the scrums as they would’ve had to feel an inexperienced unit against a powerful Bok trio of Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and Coenie Oosthuizen.

But Gatland was unable to call on giant wing George North after he failed to come through concussion tests this week following a blow to the head against the All Blacks.

Gatland made three changes in total, with Jenkins replacing James, rookie Scott Baldwin coming in for Hibbard and Liam Williams getting a chance at right wing in North’s absence.

“We have had a couple of changes forced upon us, with the injury to George (North) and with Paul (James) and Richard (Hibbard) returning to their clubs, but we have named what we think is a very strong side,” Gatland said yesterday.

“Last weekend (a 34-16 defeat to the All Blacks) was a very intense, physical encounter. The guys were disappointed, but we have come in this morning, the squad are feeling fresh and the focus is looking ahead to Saturday and the Test against the Springboks.

“As coaches we will be asking for the same effort, intensity and desire as last week and we want a repeat of that at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.”

Saturday’s match starts at 4.30pm South African time.

Wales team:

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins. Bench: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 James King, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams.

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