Gatland names Thomas and Charteris

Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas and lock Luke Charteris are in Warren Gatland’s starting fifteen for tonight’s clash with Canada at the Millennium Stadium.

The second Invesco Perpetual Series match brings a different challenge, with only three players remaining in the side from Saturday’s 20-15 defeat to world champions, South Africa. Gatland has handed opportunities to many players to make a name for themselves in the red of Wales, expecting the intensity levels to be at full tilt.

It’s all change in the pack with a complete revamp, except for captain, Ryan Jones who switches to his favoured number eight shirt. The front three may lack in experience, but not power as John Yapp is called up to win his ninth cap after suffering a two-year absence through injury problems. Hooker Richard Hibbard and tight-head Rhys Thomas join Yapp to bring the total of caps won to seventeen in the front row.

The second row is filled by familiar faces at Rodney Parade, Ian Gough and Luke Charteris step into the breach to force their presence upon the game. Gough, now with the Ospreys, has shadowed Alyn-Wyn Jones and Ian Evans for club and country and will aim to regain the starting shirt. Charteris provides a different option with his considerable height in the lineout and improving defensive capabilities.

Two in-from flankers have been brought into the team in an effort to establish their position alongside captain, Ryan Jones at eight. The unfortunate Dafydd Jones arrives at blindside after spending lengthy amounts of time out of the game through injury and suspensions. At open-side Robin Sowden-Taylor switches with his Cardiff Blues team-mate and predecessor Martyn Williams.

Gatland has made five changes in the backs, with Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts making his international debut in place of Dwayne Peel. He will be joined at half-back by the criticised James Hook, but for me the 23-year-old from Port Talbot possesses a huge amount of talent and has a long future in the historic number 10 jersey of Wales.

Another 23-year-old Osprey in Andrew Bishop returns at inside-centre to capture only his second cap. His partner, Tom Shanklin, remains in the team to offer vital experience and will be hoping to add to his tally of eighteen tries. Mark Jones has recovered from an injury to play on the wing, with young Leigh Halfpenny on the other wing to earn his second cap and vital game time. Llanelli Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart completes the back three and will give the Canucks certain defensive problems with his running play.

The bench consists of two debutants, Ospreys outside-half Dan Biggar and Sale Sharks prop Eifion Roberts, with five players who impressed last Saturday; Matthew Rees, Alun-Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Dwayne Peel and Jamie Roberts.

Gatland is pleased with his selection, "There are many of changes from last week but we have maintained consistency by keeping Ryan in there as captain and we have some experience and impact players too on the bench."

Gavin Henson is still sidelined with an Achilles injury which ruled him out last Saturday, however he has been training lightly and expects to challenge for his place soon. Don’t expect Canada to lie down, but this is a Welsh team with a huge attacking threat.

Wales: Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Scarlets); James Hook (Ospreys), Martin Roberts (Scarlets); John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Gough (Ospreys) , Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Eifion Lewis Roberts (Sale), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues), Dwayne Peel (Sale), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues).