Hansen says Charvis will play a role from the bench

The Swansea back-row man, who started the Six Nations as first-choice captain and number eight, was dropped from both roles after a lacklustre display in the defeat against Italy.

It was thought that he would be restored against Scotland, but instead Wales have kept him on the bench and made Martyn Williams the third captain in three games.

"Colin has been consistently attacked from day one," said Hansen, "some people in the media don't like him for various reasons, and it has destroyed his playing ability. I don't want that to happen to anyone else.

Colin Charvis: Keeping perspectives

"We thought about Colin for this game, but it wouldn't be fair to chuck him back in. He is not quite ready yet, although he will get some game time off the bench."

A third captain in three games is not an ideal situation, but that's where we are at Steve Hansen

Charvis was initially appointed skipper for the final game of the 2002 Six Nations against Scotland, many criticising the decision after the back-row man had missed the opening game of the championship because of a holiday in Jamaica.

He was a personal success on the summer tour to South Africa, but complaints mounted after the autumn internationals.

Struggling for form with his underperforming club, Swansea, the media criticised his playing ability and leadership qualities, culminating in public vilification for his performance against Italy.

Jonathan Humphreys was brought in as captain against England, but Hansen has stood by Charvis and insisted that he remains the 'squad captain.'

Williams relishing captain's role

With Humphreys injured for the trip to Scotland, Hansen has turned to Cardiff captain Martyn Williams to lead the national side.

"This is a great opportunity for Martyn," said Hansen, who insisted he had no idea who his World Cup skipper might be at this stage.

"I am sure that he will do an excellent job, and that he will be a Welsh captain for a long time when the time is right and he is ready for it. Martyn is well respected on and off the field - he leads by example.

"A third captain in three games is not an ideal situation, but that's where we are at. Martyn has been a unit leader in the team for quite some time, and now he gets the opportunity to step up."

Wales Team: K Morgan (Swansea); R Williams (Cardiff), M Taylor (Swansea), T Shanklin (Saracens), G Thomas (Bridgend); S Jones (Llanelli), G Cooper (Bath); I Thomas (Llanelli), G Williams (Bridgend), B Evans (Swansea), S Williams (Northampton), R Sidoli (Pontypridd), D Jones (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), M Williams (Capt) (Cardiff).
Reps: M Davies (Pontypridd), G Jenkins (Pontypridd), G Llewellyn (Neath), C Charvis (Swansea), D Peel (Llanelli), I Harris (Cardiff), M Watkins, (Llanelli).