Paul Rees and Sachin Nakrani 

Alun Wyn Jones retains Wales place for the visit of Scotland

Alun Wyn Jones has been selected to play for Wales against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday
  
  

Alun Wyn Jones of Wales
Alun Wyn Jones, the Wales second-row, will keep his place against Scotland on Saturday. Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

Alun Wyn Jones will play for Wales against Scotland on Saturday despite his costly dismissal in the 30-17 defeat to England.

Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, heavily criticised the lock in the wake of the weekend loss at Twickenham but has decided to retain him as Wales look to secure their first victory of this year's Six Nations championship.

There are only two changes to the side that lost to England, with Leigh Halfpenny replacing Tom James on the right wing following his recovering from a calf strain and Jonathan Thomas coming in for Luke Charteris in the second row.

"Jonathan Thomas brings more than 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field," said Gatland. "Leigh Halfpenny is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option, and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run-up to the England game allows his selection.

Despite the England defeat, Wales could still make an assault on the Six Nations title, especially as three of their remaining four games – starting against Scotland – are in Cardiff.

Andy Robinson's side have not triumphed in the Welsh capital since 2002, while they can only claim three Six Nations wins from 25 starts on the road.

"We were all disappointed with the result last weekend," added Gatland. "But the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland.

"The championship is by no means over. We are back at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign. This is a must-win game for us."

Gethin Jenkins is among the replacements for Wales following his recovery from a calf injury. He is be joined by Tom Shanklin, Tom James and Sam Warburton.

Wales team to play Scotland on Saturday

L Byrne (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), J Hook (Ospreys), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); P James (Ospreys), G Williams (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), J Thomas (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues), R Rees (Cardiff Blues), A Bishop (Ospreys), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues).

 

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