Autumn Internationals 2006
By Paul
November 3 2006
Autumn International Series 2006
New coach Gareth Jenkins takes charge of his first home series at the helm, whilst Stephen Jones also captains the side for the first time.
With less than a year to the World cup in France to go, these matches are essential for Wales to build up some form ahead of the tournament, and players to stick their hands up for selection in what looks like the most competitive Welsh squad in years with several key Grand Slammers returning from injury. Confidence is high following improved showing from the Welsh regions.
Fixtures (All at Millennium Stadium)
Saturday 4th November
Wales v Australia, 2.30PM, BBC1
Saturday 11th November
Wales v Pacific Islands, 2.30PM, BBC1
Friday 17th November
Wales v Canada, 7.30PM, BBC2 Wales
Saturday 25th November
Wales v New Zealand, 5.00PM, BBC2
Squad
There was no place for Colin Charvis in Gareth Jenkins's squad, despite a string of impressive displays at regional level for The Dragons, whilst Michael Owen was not deemed to have had enough rugby under his belt following a shoulder operation in the Summer.
Backs
Lee Byrne (Ospreys)
Gareth Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Gavin Evans (Llanelli Scarlets)
Gavin Henson (Ospreys)
James Hook (Ospreys)
Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets)
Stephen Jones (Llanelli Scarlets, captain)
Hal Luscombe (NEC Harlequins)
Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets)
Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues)
Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues)
Ceri Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Gareth Thomas (Toulouse)
Shane Williams (Ospreys)
Forwards
Huw Bennett (Ospreys)
Brent Cockbain (Ospreys)
Ian Evans (Ospreys)
Ian Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Chris Horsman (Worcester) **
Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues)
Adam Jones (Ospreys)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)
Duncan Jones (Ospreys)
Ryan Jones (Ospreys)
Michael Owen (Dragons) *
Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets)
Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets)
Robert Sidoli (Cardiff Blues)
Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets)
Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys)
Rhys Thomas (Cardiff Blues)
Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues)
* Late Call up
** Ineligible for Australia match due to Worcester citing the International window.
Return of the Tour Matches
The Ospreys became the first regional side to meet and beat a touring national side when they ran out 24-16 winners over the Wallabies in front of a capacity crowd at the Libertty Stadium, on the Wednesday before Wales faced them.