Hansen praise as Llewellyn reaches milestone
Wales coach Steve Hansen last night paid tribute to Gareth Llewellyn, who will equal the Welsh international cap record when he lines up in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Italy.
Llewellyn made his international debut almost 15 years ago against New Zealand in Cardiff.
The Neath-Swansea Ospreys lock will make his 87th Test appearance, equalling the mark of former Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins.
Llewellyn, 35, has been called into the team as replacement for Celtic Warriors forward Brent Cockbain, who suffered an ankle injury during last weekend’s defeat against England at Twickenham.
“Gareth is one of the senior players in our squad, and he is expected to be a leader both on and off the field,” said Hansen.
“He has done this with increasing success over the last two years.
“He is someone who has been a great asset to his country, and will continue to do so long after he chooses to retire, as I believe he will make a very good coach.
“He has looked after himself through the years and has been a valuable source of experience to the youngsters in the squad, as well as making his own contributions through his performances.”
Flanker Jonathan Thomas, who has thigh and shoulder problems, is also out. Martyn Williams returns to the back row, so skipper Colin Charvis moves from open side to blind side.
Hansen, for whom Saturday’s Millennium Stadium encounter is his final match in charge before returning to New Zealand, will make a late decision on his centre partnership.
Iestyn Harris is battling to recover from injury, and did not play against England as Tom Shanklin answered a late call-up.
But Hansen has bracketed them both together, and will make his mind up later this week.
Wales will be looking to end their championship campaign on a high, recapturing the form they showed against Scotland before suffering three successive defeats.
As for the other changes, Hansen added: “Martyn Williams brings a level of experience to the team, and is a natural replacement for Jonathan Thomas who has not recovered in time to be in contention for this match.
“We are expecting a big defensive performance from Martyn, along with his usual continuity game.
“We have bracketed Iestyn and Tom together, and we will make a decision on who will fill the number 12 shirt later in the week.
“Whoever misses out will be unlucky as they have both been in good form.”
There are two changes on the bench from Twickenham, with Warriors lock Robert Sidoli called up, together with Leeds back-row forward Alix Popham.
