Wales coach Steve Hansen last night paid tribute to Gareth Llewellyn, who will equal the Welsh international cap record when he lines up in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Italy.

There would have been time when the last thing a Wales coach needed to say in the build-up to a Test match, never mind a crucial World Cup showdown, was that his side needed to match the passion of the opposition.

Wales wing Mark Jones tonight paid tribute to the game-breaking qualities of Iestyn Harris, and declared: “He has always had the talent.”

Steve Hansen believes the stage is set for Iestyn Harris to cement his name as one of rugby’s biggest cross-code successes after he played a standout role in Wales’ opening World Cup victory over Canada.

IRELAND out-half Paul Burke (Harlequins) sustained a hamstring injury in training yesterday and has withdrawn from the 22-man Ireland squad for next Saturday’s permanent tsb international at Lansdowne Road against Wales.

Steve Hansen believes that Wales’ August schedule of warm-up Tests could make or break some players’ World Cup prospects.

Martyn Williams has been handed a golden opportunity to lead Wales into the record books and clear of the Six Nations Championship wooden spoon.

Wales coach Steve Hansen today confirmed Llanelli fly-half Stephen Jones will be ruled out of selection for the RBS Six Nations for around six weeks, after breaking a thumb during his club's victory over Cardiff at Stradey Park last night.

Iestyn Harris has vowed to bounce back after being dropped by Wales for this weekend’s Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash with France.

Wales’ man of the moment Stephen Jones knows the expectation of a nation is riding on his shoulders every time he steps out in the revered number 10 shirt worn by legends such as Barry John, John Bevan and Neil Jenkins.

Graham Henry has handed Iestyn Harris a full international debut for Wales against Argentina on Saturday despite admitting he is not the finished product.

Iestyn Harris today moved closer to winning his first Wales rugby union cap when he was named in a 31-man squad for November Test matches against Argentina, Tonga and Australia.