Rugby: Wales take punt on Iestyn

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

The Wales coach accepts it is a gamble to blood Harris in the Millennium Stadium encounter but says the former Great Britain rugby league player has the qualities and the support around him to prove a success.

Harris will make his bow at the highest level in union after just 200 minutes of match action in the 15-man code.

‘‘He’s not going to be the finished product we know that,’’ said Henry.

‘‘But with Scott Quinnell at number eight, Rob Howley at scrum-half and Stephen Jones at inside centre we have people of experience and authority around him who can make decisions themselves and help take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

‘‘There are two world-class players there in Quinnell and Howley, so it’s an ideal environment for Iestyn to be introduced.

‘‘Obviously it’s a bit of a punt. But if you don’t take punts you’ll never win anything.

‘‘I’m certain he will fit in more than adequately in this new environment.’’

Wales makes seven changes and one positional switch from the side that crashed 36-6 at home to Ireland last month.

In the backs Rhys Williams comes in on the wing, Gareth Thomas starts at centre, while Jones switches positions to make way for Harris.

Up front, Darren Morris returns at loose-head prop, Craig Quinnell adds his considerable bulk at second row, brother Quinnell is named at number eight and Gavin Thomas claims a back-row berth.

There could be a further change if wing Shane Williams is ruled out because of ankle trouble, with another former rugby league player, Anthony Sullivan, on standby for a Union Test debut.

Henry has steered Wales to four victories over Argentina during his time in charge but is taking nothing for granted.

‘‘We’ve had a number of close and tough encounters with the Pumas in recent years and they have always tested us,’’ he said.

‘‘They will believe they can beat us for the first time at the weekend and we will have to be at our very best to come through.

‘‘There is a lot to prove after the defeat against Ireland, both to ourselves as a team and to the Welsh rugby public.

‘‘This is a challenge the players are very much looking forward to and the countdown to the 2003 Rugby World Cup starts here.’’