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Rugby Union

Jenkins cautious on Jones return

11/08/2007

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has refused to be drawn on any schedule for the return of fly-half Stephen Jones.

The influential Scarlets stand-off's preparations for September's World Cup have been set back by a groin injury while James Hook has flourished in the number ten jersey in his absence.

Jones is not expected to feature in any of the Dragons' warm-up games in the build-up to the showpiece tournament, but Jenkins is remaining guarded on whether his lack of match practice will mean a reshuffle in his team's back division.

"He'll be fit to play rugby, arguably before our World Cup opener against Canada on September 9th," said Jenkins.

"It's also about selection policy and I don't want to give away details. We're not showing our hand, you'll have to trust us and the view we've taken will unfold."

Gareth Thomas was yesterday handed the captaincy of the squad for the World Cup campaign, but Jenkins admitted that had Jones been fit he would have been appointed instead.

After a weakened team suffered a 62-5 defeat at the hands of England last week it is expected that a strong Wales XV will have a more even battle with Argentina next weekend as Jenkins mulls over his options and possible contingency plans around Jones.

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