STEPHEN JONES and Mike Phillips have been given the heads up by Warren Gatland to win the Triple Crown for Wales, a half-back pairing decided by the toss of a coin.
Jones retains the number 10 jersey ahead of James Hook and the inclusion of Ospreys scrum-half Phillips for Dwayne Peel is one of four changes from Wales's record home 47-8 victory over Italy a fortnight ago.
Hooker Huw Bennett and prop Adam Jones are recalled to the front row and lock Alun-Wyn Jones has recovered from his knock against England to bolster the Welsh scrum. Matthew Rees, Duncan Jones and Ian Evans join Peel on the bench.
"It was the toss of a coin," joked a tired-looking Gatland on his third half-back selection, a break from the regional pairings he has relied on so far.
"We talked about the players and we just said James has already produced for us in a big game against England so now the pressure's on Stephen to do the same in a big game against Ireland."
He would not be drawn further other than revealing Peel was still recovering from a knee to the head against Italy and as a result was short of game time.
"Let’s not get obsessed about the two 10s," he said. "They are two quality players. We've made the choice on Stephen Jones for the next game but there could be someone else, could be a different combination against France."
"We had the same debate with the two loose heads. We've two quality players. I don't want to debate it. That's your job. This is the side we are putting out to do a job."
Jones will win his 69th cap at Croke Park on Saturday and was delighted to keep his shirt in what he described as by far the most competitive squad he has been involved in during 10 years at the top.
"I'm very happy. It's a huge game and it's going to be a big challenge, but as a player it's one you look forward to," he said.
"Obviously you hope you get to play and start for your country. I'm really enjoying it. As a player you know exactly where you stand and you can't ask for any more. It's a hugely challenging environment every day. And whether you are in the squad or on the bench you need to know your roles as you are tested constantly in training."
The veteran number 10 is well aware of what is expected of him on Saturday having shaken off the doubters who queried his selection ahead of Hook at last year's World Cup. "If you don't perform well then you're not going to be given the jersey for the next game, it's as simple as that," said Jones.
Phillips is another player who suffered last year but is now flourishing under Gatland. He was told plainly by former coach Gareth Jenkins he was number two behind Peel, yet has put his head down and proved his worth to the new boss.
"I've been very pleased with the way I've been playing and delighted to be given the opportunity to start," said Phillips. "Dwayne's got a little bit more experience than me but perhaps [Gatland] has gone with the player who's a little bit more in form.
"They've given me a fair opportunity to show what I can do. If you play well they reward you."
Jones and Phillips have the chance of further rewards in the form of silverware on Saturday. Wales's last win in Dublin was back in 2000 and was one of only three victories against the Irish in their last 15 encounters.
But Wales are a squad on form, the sort that make their own luck, whichever way the coin falls.
Jones retains the number 10 jersey ahead of James Hook and the inclusion of Ospreys scrum-half Phillips for Dwayne Peel is one of four changes from Wales's record home 47-8 victory over Italy a fortnight ago.
Hooker Huw Bennett and prop Adam Jones are recalled to the front row and lock Alun-Wyn Jones has recovered from his knock against England to bolster the Welsh scrum. Matthew Rees, Duncan Jones and Ian Evans join Peel on the bench.
"It was the toss of a coin," joked a tired-looking Gatland on his third half-back selection, a break from the regional pairings he has relied on so far.
"We talked about the players and we just said James has already produced for us in a big game against England so now the pressure's on Stephen to do the same in a big game against Ireland."
He would not be drawn further other than revealing Peel was still recovering from a knee to the head against Italy and as a result was short of game time.
"Let’s not get obsessed about the two 10s," he said. "They are two quality players. We've made the choice on Stephen Jones for the next game but there could be someone else, could be a different combination against France."
"We had the same debate with the two loose heads. We've two quality players. I don't want to debate it. That's your job. This is the side we are putting out to do a job."
Jones will win his 69th cap at Croke Park on Saturday and was delighted to keep his shirt in what he described as by far the most competitive squad he has been involved in during 10 years at the top.
"I'm very happy. It's a huge game and it's going to be a big challenge, but as a player it's one you look forward to," he said.
"Obviously you hope you get to play and start for your country. I'm really enjoying it. As a player you know exactly where you stand and you can't ask for any more. It's a hugely challenging environment every day. And whether you are in the squad or on the bench you need to know your roles as you are tested constantly in training."
The veteran number 10 is well aware of what is expected of him on Saturday having shaken off the doubters who queried his selection ahead of Hook at last year's World Cup. "If you don't perform well then you're not going to be given the jersey for the next game, it's as simple as that," said Jones.
Phillips is another player who suffered last year but is now flourishing under Gatland. He was told plainly by former coach Gareth Jenkins he was number two behind Peel, yet has put his head down and proved his worth to the new boss.
"I've been very pleased with the way I've been playing and delighted to be given the opportunity to start," said Phillips. "Dwayne's got a little bit more experience than me but perhaps [Gatland] has gone with the player who's a little bit more in form.
"They've given me a fair opportunity to show what I can do. If you play well they reward you."
Jones and Phillips have the chance of further rewards in the form of silverware on Saturday. Wales's last win in Dublin was back in 2000 and was one of only three victories against the Irish in their last 15 encounters.
But Wales are a squad on form, the sort that make their own luck, whichever way the coin falls.
No comments:
Post a Comment