Morgan mystified by Wales role

Kevin Morgan today admitted he was “in the dark” about where he will play for Wales in their opening RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

The Newport Gwent Dragons full-back does not know yet whether he will wear the number 15 jersey or run out on the wing.

Because of injuries to Shane Williams (hip) and Mark Jones (ankle ligaments), and Gareth Thomas’ European disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday, Wales have delayed their team announcement by 72 hours.

Coach Gareth Jenkins was due to reveal his line-up yesterday, but will now release it on Thursday.

“Like everyone else I’m still in the dark about where I will be playing,” said Morgan, who is set to win his 40th cap at the weekend.

“It doesn’t matter where I play really, but because of the injuries and Gareth’s position I have trained in numerous positions.

“But despite the injuries we have trained well and we are comfortable with each other, so hopefully by Thursday we will know the side and we can work hard towards the weekend.”

Morgan added: “Playing at home in your first Six Nations game is a bonus and if we can win our first game it would give us a lot of momentum going into the rest of the tournament.

“And with having three away games following Sunday a win over Ireland is important.

“This Irish side are a quality side. They have got experience and skill all round their backline. It will be a tough challenge.

“They have kept the same squad for the past three or four years and I think that’s why they play such good rugby.

“They are confident in each other’s ability and they produce quality rugby every time they play.”

Though 29-year-old Morgan has treasured memories of sealing the Grand Slam in 2005 – the last time Wales played Ireland in Cardiff – he is aiming to look forward rather than back.

“I’ve got happy memories of winning the Grand Slam two years ago,” he said.

“But although it was a great moment in my career and great for Welsh rugby it is in the past now and I think we have got to stop looking back. This is a new squad so we have got to think about creating our own history.

Despite Wales’ injury concerns in the backline their pack has a clean bill of health, which forwards coach Robin McBryde sees as a big plus.

“Obviously there is no serious injuries and that is a positive because we want time to work with the pack,” he said.

“We will be ready on Sunday, but it will be a hard challenge because they are an experienced outfit and physical. So we will have to be at our best.

“People have questioned Ireland’s scrummaging ability but you don’t beat Australia and South Africa without a scrum.

“The contact area will be huge on Sunday because they have a very strong back-row coupled with a midfield that contest for the ball at the breakdown.”

The Wales team announced today that Mark Jones, who has already been training, and Ospreys back-rower Jonathan Thomas have been officially added to the squad.