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Last Updated: Friday, 10 June, 2005, 14:58 GMT 15:58 UK
Czekaj named for first Wales cap
CANADA v WALES
Chris Czekaj
York Stadium, Toronto
Saturday, 11 June
Kick-off: 2010 BST
Live on BBC Two Wales, 2W (digital), Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and this website (UK users only)

Cardiff Blues' 19-year-old wing Chris Czekaj will win his first cap in Wales' Test with Canada in Toronto Saturday.

Craig Morgan has an arm injury, giving Czekaj the chance to make a mark after playing just twice for his region.

Ryan Jones' call-up to the Lions tour means a back-row shuffle, with the Scarlets' Alix Popham coming off the bench to start at No 8.

Mefin Davies is fit after a back strain but is on the bench, with Blues hooker Rhys Thomas getting his first start.

Rookie prop Ben Broster also gets his first start ahead of Adam Jones, with Rob Sidoli in for Cockbain - who was due a rest but now takes his place on the bench - as the other change.

Uncapped fly-half Matthew Jones comes onto the bench, while his fellow Osprey, flanker Richie Pugh, is likely to be added to the bench.

Ryan Jones got the call from Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward on Friday, after Scotland's Simon Taylor broke down in training with a hamstring injury that has troubled him for some time.

Jones has recovered from a toe injury sustained in last week's record 77-3 win over the USA and was due to start at number eight for Wales but can now look forward to facing Kiwi opposition.

Taylor was set to make his first start of the tour against New Zealand Maori on Saturday morning, but Wales skipper Michael Owen makes his second start of the week after impressing against Taranaki.

"We brought Chris [Czekaj] on the tour to see how he would respond to the squad environment and we are very pleased," said Wales coach Mike Ruddock.

"He has had a great season with the Under-21s and has broken into the Blues side.

Ben Broster makes his first start for Wales
This tour is finding out about different players and combinations as much as it is about winning both Tests
Wales coach Mike Ruddock

"He is a natural left-sided player and we are looking for cover in that role for Shane Williams.

"Craig Morgan did well last week but we always wanted to have a look at both players during the tour.

"It means we will hopefully have at least three options there next season."

Ruddock revealed that the changes in the pack were all about trying out new combinations.

"Adam Jones has had a great season for Wales and, very much like Brent Cockbain, is a mainstay of the pack," said the coach.

"But this tour is finding out about different players and combinations as much as it is about winning both Tests.

"Ben Broster and Rhys Thomas did very well when they came on last week and Robert Sidoli has an important role with a lot of young forwards in the side.

"We have five changes on the bench which should mean that everyone on the tour will have played a part in at least one match.

"I expect Canada to be a lot better organised than the USA.

"They have had more time to recover after returning from Japan and they will benefit from the return of a number of European-based players."


Wales: K Morgan (Dragons); R Williams (Blues), M Taylor (Sale, capt), C Sweeney (Dragons), C Czekaj (Blues); N Robinson (Blues), M Phillips (Blues); D Jones (Ospreys), R Thomas (Blues), B Broster (Saracens), L Charteris (Dragons), R Sidoli (Blues), J Thomas (Ospreys), C Charvis (Newcastle), A Popham (Scarlets).
Replacements: M Davies (Gloucester), J Yapp (Blues), R Sowden-Taylor (Blues), B Cockbain (Ospreys), A Williams (Bath), M Jones (Ospreys), M Watkins (Scarlets).

Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia).




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