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Page last updated at 06:20 GMT, Monday, 1 June 2009 07:20 UK

Try-scorer Czekaj unsure of place

USA v WALES
Venue: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Chicago Date: Saturday, 6 June Kick-off: 1910 BST Coverage: Live on S4C, full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & online, plus Sunday highlights on BBC TWO Wales


Chris Czekaj crosses against Canada for the first try of Wales' summer tour
Chris Czekaj crosses for the first try of Wales' summer tour

Wales winger Chris Czekaj says he fears losing his place against the USA to Mark Jones, despite an impressive try-scoring display against Canada.

"It's always good to have competition and someone of Mark's calibre in the squad," Blues wing Czekaj told the BBC.

"I hope to get another game, but if not I'll be happy with the Canada match."

Experienced Scarlets wide-man Jones was ruled out of the Toronto Test by a knee injury and will be monitored ahead of Tuesday's Wales team announcement.

Tom James also impressed at wing against Canada with a try-scoring display, creating intense competition for places for the final match of the two-Test tour in Chicago.

606: DEBATE

Whether or not Czekaj wins a spot against the Eagles, the tour leaves him with fond memories of Toronto's York University Stadium.

The 23-year-old won his first cap at the same ground four years ago, scoring a scintillating try.

Saturday's game was his first Wales appearance since suffering a severe fracture of his leg on the 2007 summer tour to Australia.

"It was brilliant [against Canada], I went over in the same corner I scored my first Wales try in four years ago," Czekaj told BBC Sport Wales.

"We had a young back line out. All the new caps had really good games."

Gareth Cooper leaves the pitch at half-time against Canada after picking up an injury
Gareth Cooper was injured on the stroke of half-time

Wales could be forced into a change at lock against the USA, Bradley Davies having sustained a neck injury in the Canada win.

Scrum-half Gareth Cooper limped out of the same game after taking a heavy blow on the stroke of half-time.

Dwayne Peel provides experienced cover at nine, while Nicky Robinson will be desperate to partner him at half-back.

The fly-half may be denied a chance to show his talent, though, after Dan Biggar's impressive 22-point haul against Canada.

Sonny Parker, Paul James, Ian Gough, Sam Warburton and Josh Turnbull are the other squad members yet to feature on the tour.

It's not a case of making sure everybody gets a cap on this tour

wales cartaker coach Robin McBryde

"We just need to raise our game, really, and with regards to selection, it's not something that we take lightly," said Wales caretaker coach Robin McBryde.

"It's a huge honour to wear the shirt and you've got to earn the right to wear it.

"So it's not a case of making sure everybody gets a cap on this tour.

"Selection will be based on who deserves that opportunity and on form.

"[With injury] the first 24 hours are the greatest indication of how things are so we'll just wait and see.

"Brad [Davies] went for a scan [after the Canada game]. He's a bit sore to be honest and he's the biggest concern out of everybody, really."


Wales squad

Backs: Dwayne Peel (Sale), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Nicky Robinson (Blues), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Mark Jones (Scarlets), Tom James (Blues), Chris Czekaj (Blues), Daniel Evans (Scarlets).

Forwards: Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Gareth Williams (Blues), John Yapp (Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Deiniol Jones (Blues), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Sam Warburton (Blues).



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see also
Canadian tactics frustrate Wales
30 May 09 |  Welsh
USA 10-27 Ireland
31 May 09 |  Irish
Canada 23-32 Wales
30 May 09 |  Welsh
Arrested development: USA rugby
29 Sep 06 |  Rugby Union
Country profile: United States of America
18 Oct 11 |  Country profiles
Wales' rugby fixtures
26 Jun 07 |  Welsh
Wales rugby results archive
15 Oct 03 |  Welsh
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales


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