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Rugby Union

Williams returns to Welsh XV

23/08/2007

Wing Shane Williams has been recalled to the Wales starting line-up to face France in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up match on Sunday.

The Ospreys speedster comes in for Dafydd James after recovering from elbow and shoulder surgery ahead of the tournament next month.

Head coach Gareth Jenkins makes two other changes to the side that won 27-20 against Argentina last weekend. Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Robinson is into the side in place of Tom Shanklin, who is rested, and Worcester prop Chris Horsman replaces Ospreys front-row Adam Jones, who has a slight problem with his ankle.

"We have a lot of work still to do and we must concentrate on developing our style of play. But we are very much looking for a repeat result from last weekend coupled with an improved performance," said Jenkins.

"We are at the sharp end of the coaching process and have maintained a consistency of selection in order to allow this side to develop its style.

"That is not to say that there is no room for players to break into this side, but it will be easier to add different players once the team has developed the collective understanding we are looking for.

"There are obviously things we need to work on and we have undergone in-depth analysis of our performance against Argentina with a view to improving ourselves against France."

Wales begin their World Cup campaign on September 9th against Canada.

Full Wales XV to play France on Sunday:

Kevin Morgan, Mark Jones, Jamie Robinson, Gareth Thomas (captain), Shane Williams, James Hook, Dwayne Peel; Duncan Jones, Matthew Rees, Chris Horsman, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Alix Popham.
Replacements:Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins, Will James, Colin Charvis, Michael Phillips, Ceri Sweeney, Sonny Parker.

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