Wales lose captain Thomas, Henson on the bench

LONDON - Wales, in turmoil since the resignation of coach Mike Ruddock, were forced to leave out captain and fullback Gareth Thomas and winger Shane Williams through injury for Sunday's Six Nations rugby game against Ireland.

Scott Johnson, caretaker coach of the title holders, recalled controversial centre Gavin Henson to the bench after the end of his seven-week suspension for foul play.

Fullback Thomas suffered what he at first feared was a heart attack on Sunday triggered by days of allegations that he was the ringleader of a player putsch that ousted Ruddock.

Thomas was taken to hospital on Sunday with a migraine after appearing on a television chat show in which he was grilled about Ruddock's departure.

Team doctors said today that Thomas had injured an artery in his neck and would be out for 10 to 12 weeks, ending his participation in the Six Nations.

Williams, like Henson and Thomas a British & Irish Lion, has a leg injury. Wales were beaten 47-13 by England in their opening match and then defeated Scotland 28-18 in Cardiff.

Wales' latest injuries mean only seven members of the match-day 22 that beat Ireland in the Grand Slam-clinching game last season are in Sunday's squad.

Johnson said the crisis caused by Ruddock's shock resignation last week would galvanise his players.

"Tough times breed tough men and we are taking a tough team to Dublin to play tough rugby," the Australian said.

"We are going to look squarely in the face of adversity and show a different side to our characters this weekend.

"We've shown that we can turn on the pretty stuff, now we are going to show our true heart, make Welsh fans proud of us and proud to be Welsh and come out fighting."

Henson, who has hardly played this season, was the trigger for the Ruddock saga following an autobiography which targeted several of his Wales team mates.

He was forced to explain himself in November at a squad meeting organised by Thomas, who also organised a boycott of a news conference before the Feb 12 match against Scotland because the co-author of Henson's autobiography was present.

"The doctors tell us it is in Gareth's interest to rest and recuperate this week...but we are still hopeful that he will travel with us to Ireland," Johnson said.

"This side represents Gareth Thomas and he represents everything that we are about. He is a special individual and still has an important leadership role to play, even when he doesn't make it on to the park."

Lee Byrne replaces Thomas at fullback and Dafydd James, also of Llanelli Scarlets, takes over from Williams. Backrower Michael Owen is the new captain.

Johnson's decision to restore Henson to the squad but not the team should satisfy team mates unhappy at his recent behaviour and those who believe Wales should field their best players, come what may.

"Gavin is covering both the fly-half and inside centre position, which is especially important to us in the absence of Alfie (Thomas) and Ceri Sweeney," said Johnson.

"Apart from the enforced changes we have gone for continuity in selection, which is logical when you realise that all the present coaches have been part of previous selection panels."

Team: 15-Lee Byrne; 14-Mark Jones, 13-Hal Luscombe, 12-Matthew Watkins, 11-Dafydd James; 10-Stephen Jones, 9-Dwayne Peel; 8-Michael Owen (captain), 7-Martyn Williams, 6-Colin Charvis, 5-Robert Sidoli, 4-Ian Gough, 3-Adam Jones, 2-Rhys Thomas, 1-Duncan Jones

Replacements: 16-Mefin Davies, 17-Gethin Jenkins, 18-Jonathan Thomas, 19-Gareth Delve, 20-Michael Phillips, 21-Gavin Henson, 22-Barry Davies.

- REUTERS