WALES COACH WARREN Gatland has named the squads for the Probables v Possibles trial on May the 30th at Liberty Stadium, with Bath centre Gavin Henson included amongst the ‘Probables’.
The 32-year-old last appeared for his country in August of 2011, when he started a World Cup warm-up fixture against England. His inclusion among the names for the upcoming trial match is no guarantee of traveling to South Africa this summer, but Henson will be eager to make an impression.
Gatland will lead his men on a two-Test tour against the Springboks in June, with the Probables v Possibles clash seen as an ideal preparation, particularly as the Welsh regions are not involved in the closing stages of the RaboDirect Pro12.
Alun-Wyn Jones will captain the ‘Probables,’ while Cardiff hooker Matthew Rees is set to lead the ‘Possibles’. Uncapped Dragons prop Owen Evans and Ospreys’ fullback/out-half Sam Davies are interesting inclusions in Rob Howley’s ‘Probables’ squad.
There are no less than 10 uncapped players in Robin McBride’s ‘Possibles’ squad, including Leicester out-half Owen Williams, Scarlets magician Jordan Williams and the Ospreys’ clever playmaker Matthew Morgan.
Probables Squad:
Forwards: Gethin Jenkins [Blues], Owen Evans [Dragons], Rhys Gill [Saracens], Ken Owens [Scarlets], Scott Baldwin [Ospreys], Adam Jones [Ospreys], Samson Lee [Scarlets], Alun Wyn Jones [Ospreys] (capt.), Luke Charteris [Perpignan], Jake Ball [Scarlets], Ryan Jones [Bristol], Aaron Shingler [Scarlets], Josh Navidi [Blues], Dan Lydiate [Racing Métro], Taulupe Faletau [Dragons].Backs: Rhodri Williams [Scarlets], Mike Phillips [Racing Métro], Dan Biggar [Ospreys], Sam Davies [Ospreys], Jon Davies [Scarlets], Jamie Roberts [Racing Métro], Gavin Henson [Bath], Alex Cuthbert [Cardiff Blues], George North [Northampton], Hallam Amos [Dragons], Liam Williams [Scarlets].
Possibles Squad:
Forwards: Paul James [Bath], Phil Price [Dragons], Rob Evans [Scarlets], Matthew Rees [Blues] (capt.), Kristian Dacey [Blues], Rhodri Jones [Scarlets], Scott Andrews [Blues], Aaron Jarvis [Ospreys], Bradley Davies [Blues], Andrew Coombs [Dragons], Ian Evans [Ospreys], Macauley Cook [Blues], Josh Turnbull [Scarlets], James Davies [Scarlets], Dan Baker [Ospreys].Backs: Gareth Davies [Scarlets], Lloyd Williams [Blues], James Hook [Perpignan], Matthew Morgan [Ospreys], Harry Robinson [Blues], Owen Williams [Leicester], Steven Shingler [Scarlets], Cory Allen [Blues], Jonathan Spratt [Ospreys], Tom Prydie [Dragons], Jordan Williams [Scarlets].
If Ireland were to have a Probables v Possibles clash, who would you see making up both teams?
Obviously he isn’t going to write off the Arsenal game publicly but privately he’ll be gearing his players up for a cup final effort against Palace tomorrow. Would be lovely to get it done tomorrow and enjoy a first stress free weekend in months.
@Fergus O’Connor: exactly