Sport

Jenkins has no fears as Larkham returns

Australia v Wales: Wales coach Gareth Jenkins yesterday vowed Wales have no fears going into the second Test against Australia…

Thu May 31 2007 - 01:00

Australia v Wales:Wales coach Gareth Jenkins yesterday vowed Wales have no fears going into the second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

Only a last-gasp try from Stephen Hoiles after the hooter prevented the Welsh securing a famous victory in the opening Test in Sydney last weekend as the tourists eventually fell to a 29-23 defeat.

However, Jenkins knows that with Stephen Larkham back in harness at outhalf and the Wallabies having been scorned for their wasteful ways, particularly in the opening quarter last weekend, the rematch will be a step up in every facet.

Replacement scrumhalf Gareth Cooper loses his place on the bench following his late error and another former Bath number nine, Andy Williams, takes over as Jenkins makes three changes in personnel and two positional switches for the clash at Suncorp Stadium.

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Skipper Gareth Thomas, poised to win his 94th cap, moves from wing to fullback in place of Lee Byrne, a switch engineered to give the exciting prospect Aled Brew an opportunity on the left wing while Chris Czekaj switches to the right.

Up front Michael Owen continues in the second row after replacing head-injury victim Brent Cockbain in the 35th minute of the first Test, and Mefin Davies takes over at hooker from Matthew Rees, who has returned home to be with wife, Becky, for the birth of their first child.

Cardiff Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor takes the bench seat vacated by Owen as he seeks to become established as the long-term successor to Martyn Williams at number seven.

WALES: Gareth Thomas (capt); C Czekaj, J Robinson, S Parker, A Brew; J Hook, M Phillips; I Thomas, M Davies, A Jones; M Owen, R Sidoli; C Charvis, J Thomas, Gavin Thomas. Replacements: Jones, Hibbard, Morgan, Sowden-Taylor, Williams, C Sweeney, G Henson.

AUSTRALIA: J Huxley; D Ioane, S Mortlock, A Ashley-Cooper, D Mitchell; S Larkham, M Giteau; B Robinson, S Moore, G Shepherdson; N Sharpe, D Vickerman; G Smith, W Palu, R Elsom. Replacements: A Freier, M Dunning, M Chisholm, S Hoiles, P Waugh, G Gregan, M Gerrard.