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Rugby Union

Wales' James to win first cap at 30

31/07/2007

Will James will win his first international cap at 30 this Saturday when Wales visit Twickenham to take on England.

The Gloucester lock will slot in at second row alongside Rob Sidoli and Colin Charvis at flanker.

Michael Owen (number eight) and Alun-Wyn Jones complete coach Gareth Jenkins' back-row as he runs the rule over his players before naming his 30-man squad for this autumn's World Cup on August 14th.

Captain Gareth Thomas, winning his 95th cap, will become the first Welsh player to chalk up 50 Test wins if England are beaten.

He will partner his Cardiff Blues team-mate Tom Shanklin at centre, with Dafydd James and Aled Brew named in the left and right-wing positions.

At full-back Lee Byrne gets the starting nod, while Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper are set to feature at half-back.

Iestyn Thomas and Chris Horsman have been named by Jenkins in the front row, with Huw Bennett at hooker.

Talking up his team's chances of victory against England, Jenkins said: "We hope to learn other things about our squad in the meantime but Wales teams have been travelling to Twickenham since 1910 and we want to join the other 51 sides that have notched up a 'W' against them."

"It's important that we have a final look at certain players and combinations and this selection accommodates that.

"It's the final opportunity for certain individuals to make a statement and after Saturday I'll be better placed to make the selection before the 14th of August."

Wales team to face England on Saturday August 4th:

Lee Byrne, Aled Brew, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas (captain), Dafydd James; Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Iestyn Thomas, Huw Bennett, Chris Horsman, Will James, Rob Sidoli, Alun-Wyn Jones, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen.

Replacements: Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, TR Thomas, Alix Popham, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Tom James.

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