Jones faces tough calls ahead of Saracens clash

Mar 19 2008 by Simon Kendal-Williams, South Wales Echo

LYN Jones has had no qualms over dropping some of Wales’ Grand Slam-winning stars to the bench for the Ospreys’ EDF Cup semi-final this Saturday.

Ian Gough is definitely out of the clash with Saracens at the Millennium Stadium, while hooker Huw Bennett is set to be named as a replacement.

Mike Phillips, on the shortlist to be named Six Nations player of the tournament, could also be axed, as could flanker Jonathan Thomas, as Jones flies in the face of Warren Gatland’s call for all the country’s top players to play in every big match.

“He is a professional coach with the Welsh rugby team, and is entitled to his opinion,” Jones said of Gatland.

“In an ideal world, it might be the best way. But selection for the Ospreys will be done with players’ interests and Ospreys’ interests to the fore.”

Lock Gough, who won his 50th Wales cap in the 29-12 win over France, will not even make Jones’ squad for the region’s first ever meeting with Saracens.

“Ian has had a particularly heavy effort over the last six weeks,” said the former Wales flanker.

“So I think it is in his and our best interests to give him a week off to recuperate and come back stronger.

“Likewise we have a plan for all the boys who played five games throughout the Six Nations to give them a break over the next few weeks.”

Confirming Richard Hibbard would wear the number two shirt ahead of Bennett, Jones said: “Richard has worked particularly hard on his game and has earned the right to play for the Ospreys.

“It’s great for Richard – he is there on merit.”

Former New Zealand star Justin Marshall is odds-on to be named at number nine ahead of Phillips, after wearing the shirt in nearly all the Ospreys’ key games this season.

And if Thomas does get the nod, it could well be at the expense of Wales captain Ryan Jones, with two more former All Blacks, Tiatia and Marty Holah, almost certain to occupy two of the three back row spots.

“It’s an extremely difficult position,” added Jones.

“We don’t want to get caught in the same trap as we were last year with five games in 21 days.

“We want to make sure this time we keep the boys fit and healthy with big games coming up in the EDF, Heineken Cup and Magners.”