RWC QUARTER-FINAL: Preview: England v Wales

Coach Steve Hansen has rewarded Wales' stand-out performers against New Zealand with starting places in Sunday's quarter-final with England.

Shane Williams and Jonathan Thomas were so impressive against the All Blacks that they have claimed berths for the Brisbane showdown.

Wing Williams' inclusion forces full-back Kevin Morgan onto the bench, with Gareth Thomas moving to number 15 after deputising superbly against the Kiwis when Garan Evans was injured early.

Surprisingly, Thomas' selection is at the expense of Martyn Williams, with captain Colin Charvis moving to openside and Dafydd Jones at No 8.

"When players perform as some of those boys did last week, then they come into the equation," Hansen said.

"Martyn Williams was a really difficult decision, and the same goes in the back row for Alix Popham, but we have got a certain plan in mind and Martyn understands what his role is going to be."

We have got a certain plan and Martyn Williams understands what his role is Wales coach Steve Hansen

Williams had been struggling with a shoulder problem but is fit enough to take his place among the replacements.

However, that is not the case for Sonny Parker, who has been beaten by his shoulder injury.

As a result, Mark Taylor will partner Iestyn Harris in midfield, with Ceri Sweeney on the bench after being pipped by Taylor at centre and by Stephen Jones at fly-half.

Jones will have Gareth Cooper as his half-back partner, with Dwyane Peel starting on the bench.

Veteran lock Gareth Llewellyn is another unlucky replacement, as Brent Cockbain and Robert Sidoli get the nod in the second row.

Iestyn Thomas and Adam Jones claim the prop places and will line up either side of Robin McBryde.

This is a bold selection by Hansen and shows that he is prepared to be more flexible than many had given him credit for.

"Mentally, we are in the best shape that we have been in for some time, and I don't think that England will be taking us lightly," Hansen added.

"Everyone is in good form, which is very pleasing, and it allows us to lay down a plan for this weekend."

England coach Clive Woodward named his team on Wednesday, with prop Jason Leonard set to win his 111th cap and equal the world record held by France's Philippe Sella.

England: J Lewsey; J Robinson, W Greenwood, M Tindall, B Cohen; J Wilkinson, M Dawson; J Leonard, S Thompson, P Vickery, M Johnson (capt), B Kay, L Moody, N Back, L Dallaglio.
Replacements: D West, T Woodman, S Shaw, J Worsley, K Bracken, M Catt, I Balshaw.

Wales: G Thomas; M Jones, M Taylor, I Harris, S Williams; S Jones, G Cooper; I Thomas, R McBryde, A Jones; B Cockbain, R Sidoli; D Jones, C Charvis (capt), J Thomas.
Replacements: M Davies, G Jenkins, G Llewellyn, M Williams, D Peel, C Sweeney, K Morgan.