Parker gets the nod as Jenkins looks for Welsh ‘defiance’

SONNY PARKER has been charged with stopping New Zealand in their tracks after being selected ahead of both Gavin Henson and James Hook to start at inside centre against the rampant All Blacks.

Parker, who was in international retirement less than three weeks ago, impressed head coach Gareth Jenkins with his performances in both centre positions against the Pacific Islands and Canada.

While Henson or Hook would offer wider attacking options, both through the hands and with the boot, “physicality” was the buzz-word at Wales HQ yesterday.

Jenkins installed Parker in between returning fly-half Stephen Jones and outside centre Tom Shanklin to bring a combative edge to the Welsh midfield, normally New Zealand’s favourite hunting ground.

Henson has recovered from an infected toe, which forced his withdrawal from the Canada game last Friday night, and he is joined on the bench by Hook.

Gareth Thomas failed to shake off a knee injury but captain Stephen Jones is fit after recovering from ligament damage suffered in the 29-29 draw with Australia.

Jenkins’ other major selection decisions were in the front row, where Ospreys prop Duncan Jones won selection at loose-head and Cardiff Blues hooker Rhys Thomas was preferred to Matthew Rees.