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Wales trials: Henson in the Probables

Wales have named two 26-man squads who will face off against each other in an old-school trial match for the privilage of playing the Springboks

 

Gavin Henson, who has been in the international wilderness for sometime, has been included in Rob Howley's Probables squad.

 

The two squads will be captained by Alun Wyn Jones (Probables) and Matthew Rees (Possibles) respectively as the sides go head-to-head to prove their pedigree.

 

Howley has named a squad with two uncapped players in prop Owen Evans and Sam Davies as well as nineteen of the recent Six Nations squad.

 

Howley has also named capped internationals Rhys Gill, Scott Baldwin, Josh Navidi, Hallam Amos.

 

McBryde's Possibles squad features 10 uncapped players alongside a host of internationals.

 

In the forwards the uncapped players are Phil Price, Rob Evans, Kristian Dacey, Macauley Cook and Wales Sevens product James Davies.

 

Alongside six internationals named in the backs for the Possibles are a further five uncapped players.

 

Gareth Davies, Jordan Williams and Steven Shingler are named along with Matthew Morgan and flyhalf Owen Williams.

 

Howley, who played in the last Wales trial in 2000, is looking forward the contest.

 

"The trial is a great platform for us to see all of these players up close and allow them to pit themselves against each other," he said.

 

"It takes us back to the traditional Wales trials of old and gives players and opportunity to put their hand up for the Wales jersey.

 

"Both sides will be going hard against each other with players having a point to prove.

 

"It's also a vital game in our preparation ahead of the tour to South Africa. 

 

"The vast majority of the squad wouldn't have had any game time after last weekend and this allows us to have a meaningful match."

 

McBryde added: "It's an important opportunity to see these players in our environment, using our language and styles.

 

"The door is always open in international rugby and it will be good to see the squads for the week leading up to the game and in a game that has a lot of pressure attached as trials always do.

 

"It's a chance to see players go head to head for the jersey and it should be a great contest."

 

Probables Squad:

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins, Owen Evans, Rhys Gill, Ken Owens, Scott Baldwin, Adam Jones, Samson Lee, Alun Wyn Jones (Captain), Luke Charteris, Jake Ball, Ryan Jones, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau.

Backs: Rhodri Williams, Mike Phillips, Dan Biggar, Sam Davies, Jon Davies, Jamie Roberts, Gavin Henson, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Hallam Amos, Liam Williams.

 

Possibles Squad:

Forwards: Paul James, Phil Price, Rob Evans, Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Rhodri Jones, Scott Andrews, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Andrew Coombs, Ian Evans, Macauley Cook, Josh Turnbull, James Davies, Dan Baker.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Matthew Morgan, Harry Robinson, Owen Williams, Steven Shingler, Cory Allen, Jonathan Spratt, Tom Prydie, Jordan Williams.

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