Williams to miss battle with Ireland

WALES wing Shane Williams will miss the February 4 Six Nations opener against Ireland because of a hip injury. Williams, injured in the Ospreys’ win at Sale, joins Mark Jones — also a first choice wing — on the sidelines.

Wales have asked Gavin Henson to play at full-back for the Ospreys against Ulster, suggesting a possible wing pair of Gareth Thomas and Kevin Morgan. Locks Brent Cockbain and Robert Sidoli have also been asked to get game time in this weekend’s Magners League games.

Wales have recalled former captain Colin Charvis to their 33-man Six Nations squad. The in-form Dragons flanker, 34, could add to his 84 caps after being left out of the autumn Tests. Injuries at hooker mean Mefin Davies, 34, wins a recall, while 28-year-old Scott Morgan is the only uncapped player in the squad.

Michael Owen, Nicky Robinson, Lee Byrne, Dafydd Jones, Mark Jones and Jonathan Thomas are the highest-profile omissions, injury costing the latter four. They could feature later in the tournament, but centre Sonny Parker is set to miss the entire Six Nations with a groin injury, joining lock Ian Evans (shoulder) on the sidelines.

Cardiff lock Robert Sidoli is included as he returns from shoulder surgery while Ospreys second row Brent Cockbain is back after missing the autumn campaign through suspension.

But the loss of Evans and the absence of Michael Owen means Jenkins will use Morgan and the similarly versatile Alun Wyn Jones as second-row cover.

“Scott has played himself into contention with sterling performances for the Blues as a middle line-out jumper mostly from the number six position, but our squad make-up means we will be looking for him to give us options at lock,” said Jenkins.

“The same applies to Alun Wyn Jones who we will now probably look at exclusively as a second row.

“Gareth Delve also returns after impressing us all on the summer tour of Argentina.”

Wales open their campaign by welcoming Eddie O’Sullivan’s squad to the Millennium Stadium. “If you’d asked me to pick the first fixture it would be this one,” said Jenkins.

“Ireland are the team to beat this year, they come as firm favourites, but that’s how you measure yourselves.”

Meanwhile new Scotland captain Chris Paterson does not feel his place in the starting line-up is guaranteed despite his promotion.