Henson Back on the Bench for Italy Game

Gavin Henson has been named on the bench for Wales’s Six Nations championship clash with Italy on Saturday. Henson took responsibility for his side’s 31-5 defeat in Ireland two weekends ago and said his form did not warrant selection for the Italy game.

However, caretaker coach Scott Johnson has kept faith with the Ospreys centre and included him among the replacements. "We have retained Gavin Henson as cover for a number of positions in the backs," said Johnson.

The Wales squad features three changes to the one that started at Lansdowne Road. Winger Shane Williams returns to the starting XV in place of Dafydd James after recovering from a dead leg. On the bench Alix Popham, the Llanelli No8, has been called up at the expense of Bath’s Gareth Delve, while Cardiff’s Nicky Robinson replaces Barry Davies.

Stephen Jones has recovered from the dead leg that forced him off the field against Ireland, while winger Mark Jones, rated only as a 50-50 chance earlier this week after suffering bruised ribs in Llanelli’s Powergen Cup semi-final win over Bath, is fit enough to be included in the side. "We have kept the faith with the majority of the side that underperformed in Dublin and told them to go out there on Saturday and put things right," said Johnson.