Wales keep faith for Italian job

After his withdrawal from the final half-hour against France because he had fallen below par, the Swansea centre admits he needs something special to secure his place among the 37 to be named in three weeks' time for the Australian tour.

'I didn't contribute as positively as I would have liked against France,' he said. 'It hurts when you're substituted, but I've said all season that I'm enjoying my rugby as much, if not more than ever.

'I've spent a year working towards the Lions tour but the team is picked on form, not on sentiment. I didn't do the business in France and I know that could count against me.'

Stephen Jones, Gibbs' midfield replacement in Paris, reverts to the bench for a match which brings two more Wales players to a major landmark, scrum half Rob Howley and right wing Gareth Thomas each winning his 50th cap. At £75-a-head for every one after the first five, both will be guaranteed a rewarding experience.

WALES: R Williams; G Thomas (Cardiff), M Taylor, S Gibbs (Swansea), D James (Llanelli); N Jenkins, R Howley (Cardiff); D Morris (Swansea), R McBryde (Llanelli), D Young (Cardiff, capt), I Gough (Newport), A Moore, C Charvis (Swansea), M Williams (Cardiff), S Quinnell (Llanelli). Replacements: A Lewis, C Anthony, C Quinnell, G Lewis, G Cooper, S Jones, A Bateman.