Hansen makes Thomas switch

Wales coach Steve Hansen has made four changes to his starting line-up for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against England at Suncorp Stadium.

And that includes a first Test match start at full-back for Gareth Thomas, who is just one try short of equalling Ieuan Evans’ all-time Welsh international try-scoring record.

Thomas, normally a wing or centre, takes over from the concussed Garan Evans following last weekend’s outstanding performance against New Zealand in Sydney.

Elsewhere, Llanelli wing Mark Jones is preferred to Tom Shanklin, and former rugby league star Iestyn Harris returns alongside midfield partner Mark Taylor, with Sonny Parker ruled out by a shoulder injury.

Hansen has retained the same front-five forwards that did sterling service in the 53-37 loss against the All Blacks, but there is no back-row place for former Wales skipper Martyn Williams.

Cardiff flanker Williams, who did not feature in the All Blacks encounter, has to be satisfied with a seat on the bench.

Hansen’s rejigged back-row sees exciting 20-year-old prospect Jonathan Thomas in the number eight jersey instead of Alix Popham, with Dafydd Jones called up and captain Colin Charvis continuing at openside flanker.

Wales, who are bidding to reach a first World Cup semi-final since 1987, have lost their five Tests against England.

Of the side that suffered a 43-9 World Cup warm-defeat at England’s hands in August, there are 10 survivors, with the exceptions being Shane Williams, Harris, Adam Jones, Brent Cockbain and Jonathan Thomas.

Wales team to play England in World Cup quarter-final at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Sunday, 10am (Irish time).

G Thomas (Celtic Warriors); M Jones (Llanelli), M Taylor (Llanelli), I Harris (Cardiff), S Williams (Neath-Swansea Ospreys); S Jones (Llanelli), G Cooper (Celtic Warriors); I Thomas (Llanelli), R McBryde (Llanelli), A Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), B Cockbain (Celtic Warriors), R Sidoli (Celtic Warriors), D Jones (Llanelli), C Charvis (unattached, capt), J Thomas (Neath-Swansea Ospreys).

Replacements: M Davies (Celtic Warriors), G Jenkins (Celtic Warriors), G Llewellyn (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), M Williams (Cardiff), D Peel (Llanelli), C Sweeney (Celtic Warriors), K Morgan (Celtic Warriors).