Thomas faces a formidable challenge at the scrum from Italy

Former captain Kingsley Jones fears that Wales' selection of prop Rhys Thomas could cost them against Italy.

New coach Warren Gatland was initially critical of the Dragons tight-head's scrummaging, picking Adam Jones for the victories over England and Scotland.

But Gatland sprung a surprise by naming Thomas ahead of Jones to face hard-scrummaging Italy on Saturday.

"Thomas struggled in the November loss to South Africa, it may be too soon for him against Italy's scrum," said Jones.

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"That set-piece has to be good to beat Italy, and not having Adam Jones on the bench is another questionable decision."

Gethin Jenkins starts as number one with another loose-head, Duncan Jones, the only prop cover on the bench, leaving Jenkins as Thomas's tight-head back-up.

"Gethin is a very good loose-head and an adequate tight-head," Sale assistant coach Kingsley Jones told BBC Wales's Scrum V rugby programme.

The coaches have been right with everything so far, so let's go with them Eddie Butler

"Italy will be attacking him all game - they have three front-row reserves on the bench - and he needs the support of a rock-solid tight-head.

"If when he is tired he is then asked to go over to the tight-head, it's a major challenge.

"Gatland has been very clever in his selections up to now, but I do question this one."

Jones's concerns were echoed by ex-Wales lock Derwyn Jones, but former national captain and number eight Eddie Butler was prepared to trust Gatland's judgement.

"The coaches will have raised these same front-row concerns and will think they have the answers," Butler told Scrum V.

"They've been right with everything so far, so let's go with them.

Gatland has previously stated that he wants to 'break' players mentally, and his selection policy is a part of that Kingsley Jones

"Gatland will not have to finalise his best XV until the eve of the World Cup final in 2011! We're seeing similar selection experiments throughout Europe, it's a good time to be a new coach.

"Italy are a good side - better than Scotland - but Wales are on a roll, and that can carry them through."

Despite his concerns over the front row, Kingsley Jones also believes that Wales will beat the Azzurri and feels that Gatland's "tinkering" with selection has a deeper purpose.

"Gatland has previously stated that he wants to 'break' players mentally, and his selection policy is a part of that," said the ex-flanker.

"He's definitely testing some to see how they react. He needed to set his stall out early doors, after a time he may ease off on them."