Henry would axe Charvis

Former Wales coach Graham Henry has urged Steve Hansen to axe Colin Charvis as captain if they want to stand any hope of beating Italy and reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.

Former Wales coach Graham Henry has urged Steve Hansen to axe Colin Charvis as captain if they want to stand any hope of beating Italy and reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.

Henry, in Australia working as a television pundit, aired his views after Wales had struggled to beat Tonga on Sunday.

Charvis, selected as a Lion by Henry in 2001, was not at his best as Tonga came within a score of pulling off a shock win and Henry now believes there is no longer room for him in the pack.

His choice as skipper would be Martyn Williams, the flanker who came on in the last 20 minutes to drop a goal and score a try but who turned down the opportunity to captain Wales at the World Cup.

“There should be no place for Charvis with the captaincy passing to Martyn Williams, Alix Popham is the only natural number eight in the squad,” Henry is quoted as saying by the BBC’s website.

“I think selection of the side is crucial. If the best team plays against Italy then they can win, but it’s going to be interesting.”

Wales have won both their matches so far, but with New Zealand waiting in their final pool game, a victory over Italy on Saturday is a must if they are to qualify ahead of the Azzurri in the last eight.

Henry also questioned the use of Gethin Jenkins at tighthead prop and would start with Brent Cockbain and Chris Wyatt in the second row.

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