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Rugby Union

Sweeney replaces injured Jones

22/11/2007

Wales have called up Ceri Sweeney to replace injured fly-half Stephen Jones for Saturday's clash with world champions South Africa in Cardiff.

Jones hurt his thigh plying for Llanelli Scarlets against Wasps in the European Cup last weekend. Gavin Henson will replace Jones in the Welsh line-up with Sweeny taking a place on the bench.

It will be Henson's first appearance for Wales since the tour to Australia in June. He was not selected for the World Cup due to injury problems and poor form.

"Ceri has been given a chance, it's unfortunate that we will not have Stephen's experience to rely on from the bench but Ceri is a seasoned professional himself and will not let us down if called upon," said acting head coach Nigel Davies.

"He is probably the top kicker in Wales at the moment in terms of his accuracy and he can fit in at both fly-half and centre.

"With 34 caps to his name he has been an integral part of the Wales squad for some time now and we will have no hesitation in putting him on if necessary."

Wales will be captained by Cardiff Blues prop Gethin Jenkins after the retirement of Gareth Thomas.

Wales team v South Africa:

Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets), Mark Jones (Scarlets), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Blues), James Hook (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Scarlets); Gethin Jenkins (Blues, captain), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Colin Charvis (Dragons), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys).

Replacements: T Rhys Thomas (Blues), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Alix Popham (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Ceri Sweeney (Dragons), Tom James (Blues).