Tuesday 17 March 2009

Shanklin paired with Henson for Ireland showdown

Warren Gatland has selected Tom Shanklin to start alongside Gavin Henson in the Six Nations decider in Cardiff on Saturday. Shanklin replaces Jamie Roberts after coming off the bench against the Italians to score a crucial try, keeping Welsh hopes of a tournament victory alive.

The selection is ominous for superstitious Irish fans - Shanklin and Henson have not lost a Six Nations game in which they have both started.

Wales must beat the Irish by 13 points to secure the championship, however - a big ask, but certainly achievable considering the holders are yet to play to their full potential.

Gatland has beefed up the pack again after resting several key players in Rome, no doubt preparing for all-out warfare at the Millenium Stadium. He has also chosen Stephen Jones to lead his backs from fly-half, perhaps a more reliable option that Hook, despite the latter having played a big part in Shanklin's last-gasp try at the weekend.

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