Six Nations: Henry upbeat despite dropping four
Wales coach Graham Henry was upbeat after leaving out four top players, including Lion Colin Charvis, for the opening Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship fixture against Ireland in Dublin on February 3.
Henry, who named his 22-man squad following a training camp, said: ‘‘We have had a good atmosphere all week.
‘‘The guys have enjoyed it and we have put down some foundations for the goals we want to achieve,’’ Henry said.
‘‘There were good team-building exercises and we also had time for some rugby.
‘‘We had four sessions, concentrating on our attack and defence patterns, and the more you do that, the better you can be.’’
Henry said he was aware of criticism from clubs over the timing of the camp.
‘‘We are always sensitive to other people’s needs, and I am sure the clubs are very appreciative of that,’’ added Henry.
Swansea back-row forward Charvis has failed to pin down a place in the squad along with lock Andy Moore, a Swansea colleague, the experienced Bridgend back Gareth Thomas and Bath flanker Gavin Thomas.
But there is a berth for ex-rugby league star Iestyn Harris, who looks likely to retain his place at inside centre after breaking into the Wales team during the autumn Tests.
Cardiff have the highest single club representation with eight players, including flanker Martyn Williams, who is now back to full fitness after spending several months sidelined following the Lions tour to Australia last summer.
And Henry has also found room for in-form Newport centre Andy Marinos, but he may have to be content with a bench role as Harris and Jamie Robinson are likely to forge the midfield partnership.
Wales will be out for revenge following their 36-6 drubbing by Ireland in Cardiff three months ago, a match held over from earlier in the year because of the foot and mouth epidemic.
Wales squad for the opening Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship match against Ireland in Dublin on February 3:
Backs: K Morgan (Swansea), D James (Bridgend), R Williams (Cardiff), C Morgan (Cardiff), J Robinson (Cardiff), A Marinos (Newport), I Harris (Cardiff), S Jones (Llanelli), R Howley (Cardiff), D Peel (Llanelli).
Forwards: S Quinnell (Llanelli), M Williams (Cardiff), N Budgett (Bridgend), B Sinkinson (Neath), C Quinnell (Cardiff), C Wyatt (Llanelli), I Gough (Newport), D Jones (Neath), C Anthony (Newport), S John (Cardiff), R McBryde (Llanelli), B Williams (Neath).
