Rugby: Gatland recalls prop after six-year absence

Wales prop Paul James' first and only test was against Romania in 2003. Photo / Getty Images

CARDIFF - Wales rugby prop Paul James will play just his second test in six years after coach Warren Gatland gave him the task of anchoring the scrum against the All Blacks on Sunday (NZT).

James, 27, was named today to pack down at tighthead at Millennium Stadium for just his second test cap, after making his debut against Romania in 2003.

He will likely oppose one-test All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett who is the frontrunner to step in for Tony Woodcock as he sits out a one-match ban for striking George Smith during their 32-19 win over the Wallabies in Tokyo.

James got the nod ahead of Duncan Jones and Craig Mitchell to pack down in a front row including veteran Gethin Jenkins and hooker Matthew Rees.

"Paul has edged it and we know he won't let us down, he may have just had the one cap but he has been around this Wales squad since making the tour to North America in the summer and at 27 has had plenty of experience and should be coming into his prime as a front row forward," Gatland said.

In the backs, Gatland shifted regular five-eighth James Hook to fullback while Gareth Cooper will start at halfback to fill the big gap left by injured Lions star Mike Phillips.

Other frontliners Adam Jones and Lee Byrne were ruled out with injury, and were joined on the sidelines by winger Mark Jones who suffered a knee injury at the weekend.

Sale Sharks halfback Dwayne Peel wasn't released by his English club.

Wales' 2008 grand slam-winning captain Ryan Jones will skipper a side containing other Lions players such as winger Shane Williams, second five-eighth Jamie Roberts, first five-eighth Stephen Jones, and flanker Martyn Williams.

Said Gatland: "New Zealand will be looking to get the European part of their tour off to a winning start and were pretty slick in their demolition of Australia at the weekend.

"We are looking forward to facing them at the Millennium Stadium again and are expecting an exciting game."

Wales are chasing their first win against the All Blacks since 1953.

Wales
James Hook, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper, Ryan Jones (captain), Martyn Williams, Andy Powell, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Paul James, Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins. Reserves: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Bradley Davies, Dafydd Jones, Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Tom James.

- NZPA