Alfie and Shanklin in doubt

Jan 26 2007 Simon Thomas, Western Mail

WALES are facing a mounting backline crisis as Gareth Thomas and Tom Shanklin have each emerged as doubts for next week's Six Nations opener against Ireland.

Thomas last night learned that, along with Toulouse team-mate Trevor Brennan, he faces a misconduct charge following his club's ill-tempered Heineken Cup clash against Ulster last Sunday.

Thomas must attend a disciplinary hearing following an initial investigation by European Rugby Cup disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor.

ERC officials said last night the hearing could even be heard next week. If so, and were Thomas to be banned, he would be ruled out of the Millennium Stadium clash with Ireland.

Brennan is said to have assaulted Ulster supporter Patrick Bamford after leaving the playing area at Stade Ernest Wallon and climbing into a seated area.

Thomas, meanwhile, proved an animated bystander, but he could also pay a hefty price. He is alleged to have engaged in what ERC term "aggressive exchanges with spectators" and/or "aggressively attempted to enter one of the seating areas" and/or "made an offensive gesture towards spectators".

While Brennan is no more part of the Ireland set-up, Thomas remains an integral member of Wales' Six Nations plans, with their tournament opener just 10 days away.

If the complaint against him is proved, he can expect a ban and fine.

ERC have also announced further investigation into the behaviour of a section of Ulster supporters, and Toulouse's failure to control their players with regard to the incident.

If the hearing does take place next week and Thomas is found guilty, it will create yet more worries for Wales coach Gareth Jenkins. He is already without Shane Williams, Mark Jones, Sonny Parker and Lee Byrne through injury, and may have to be resigned to meeting Ireland without Thomas, too.

And there is further concern for Jenkins because Grand Slam star Shanklin's proposed comeback from injury for the Blues in Glasgow tonight has been cancelled.

Shanklin had looked odds-on to form an exciting new Welsh centre pairing with Ospreys wonder James Hook.

But he has failed a fitness test on the thigh muscle problem that has kept him out of action since December 27.

This has to cast serious doubt over his availability for the Millennium meeting with championship favourites Ireland in nine days' time.

It is the most recent injury setback for the 27-year-old Lion, who missed virtually the whole of last season with a career-threatening knee cartilage complaint.

If Shanklin proves to be another non-starter for Wales, then Jenkins will have to reassess his shrinking resources again.

His biggest dilemma would be who to play at outside centre opposite Irish captain and talisman Brian O'Driscoll.

Shanklin would have been just the man for the job, given his strength in both attack and defence, plus the experience gained from 36 caps.

In his absence, there would have be three alternative candidates for the 13 jersey in the versatile Thomas (if available), Hal Luscombe, Jamie Robinson and

Former Dragons threequarter Luscombe lined up at outside centre during last season's Six Nations campaign and has played his part in Harlequins' revival with some powerful midfield displays.

Blues ace Robinson started at 13 in the two Tests on the tour of Argentina last summer and would offer pace.

Another option would be to hand the jersey to "Alfie" who played at outside centre when he captained the Lions in the absence of the crocked O'Driscoll in New Zealand in 2005.

But first Jenkins will need to know for certain if Thomas is available. And even if he is, Thomas may well be needed in the back three, where resources are arguably even more stretched.

He had been expected to start on the wing, with Gavin Henson lined up to play at full-back and Kevin Morgan on the other flank.

If Thomas were to be selected at 13, then Luscombe could be employed as a winger, where he has previous international experience.

One other bold option open to Jenkins would be to thrust Blues youngster Chris Czekaj onto the wing.

The 21-year-old Czekaj certainly has pace and promise, but is an international novice with just two caps and no Six Nations experience.

While Shanklin's run-out for the Blues up in Glasgow has had to be cancelled, the Welsh management will still have a keen interest in the fixture, with fellow Six Nations squad member Robert Sidoli continuing his comeback from shoulder surgery.

Grand Slam lock Sidoli showed up well on his return against Bourgoin last weekend, carrying strongly and winning good line-out ball.

If he impresses again tonight, he could yet put pressure on Alun Wyn Jones for the mid-jumper's role versus Ireland.

Sidoli is one of three Welsh squad members on regional duty this weekend, with Henson and lock Brent Cockbain released to play for the Ospreys against Ulster tomorrow.

Jenkins has asked for Henson to play at full-back, an indicator that he's very much in the frame to wear the 15 jersey when the Irish hit town next week.

England-based quartet Luscombe, Chris Horsman, Mefin Davies and Gareth Delve are also available to their clubs this weekend, along with Gareth Thomas of Toulouse, who face Stade Francais tomorrow.

With Shanklin having failed his fitness test, the Blues have drafted Aussie Marc Stcherbina in for their Glasgow test (7.30pm).

Blues: B Blair; T James, M Stcherbina, N Macloed, M Luveitasau; N Robinson, E Fairhurst; T Filise, G Williams, G Powell, D Jones, R Sidoli, B White, X Rush (capt), R Shellard.

Replacements: S Roberts, D Goodfield, B Davies, M Lewis, W Evans, D Flannigan, D Hewitt.