Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Tom James, Luke Charteris, Rhys Thomas and Robin Sowden-Taylor are the six players Davies has chosen from outside of the summer’s Rugby World Cup squad as he keeps his promise to select on current form.
Shane Williams and Matthew Rees are ruled out through injury and Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Morgan Stoddart, Adam Jones and Ian Gough are the others from Wales’ preliminary squad to miss out on the chance to face the Springboks.
“It hasn’t been a great weekend results-wise for our regional teams, but certain players have still been able to put their hands up and get themselves selected for the squad to face the world champions,” said Davies.
“Wales versus South Africa in front of a huge home crowd at the Millennium Stadium will be a great occasion and we now have a squad of 24 players who’ve shown us they want to be a part of something special.
“Gavin Henson has moved his game on another step and is showing signs of playing like his old self again. He also offers us a variety of options and the whole of Wales is looking forward to seeing his form continue to improve.
“Shane Williams would be a loss for any team, but Tom James is an exciting winger who gets the opportunity to come into the fold and he is a quality prospect for the future. He made a try at the weekend and has been encouraging in many of the things he has done.
“Lee Byrne is back in the frame and his presence at full-back and his big left boot have edged Morgan Stoddart out of contention – although the young Scarlet is also definitely one for the future.
“In the forwards Michael Owen is someone who has caught the eye in particular alongside Luke Charteris for the Dragons. Another Dragon, prop Rhys Thomas, has been on our radar at a national level for some time and he has been impressive since returning from injury.
“We are now looking forward to getting the squad together in a slightly different environment at our training camp in Saundersfoot. We have already said we are going to be challenging these players and doing whatever we can in order to get the best out of them come Saturday afternoon.
“That means a busy week, which includes an open training session at Tenby Rugby Club on Wednesday morning (10.30am) at which any fans who want to can come along and see how we are getting on.
“We are also going to be taking the squad to see some Welsh history at Big Pit towards the end of the week and ensuring that whatever we do, from training to team bonding exercises to analysis, the level of intensity will be high.”
Ticket sales are going well for the Prince William Cup match between Wales and South Africa. If you want to be part of a very special occasion then tickets are available from the Millennium Stadium Ticket Shop (98, St Mary Street), on-line via the Ticketmaster website – Click Here for Tickets – or by calling 08705 582 582. Tickets are priced at £20, £40, £45, £50 and £60 for this unique match against the reigning World Champions.
Wales Squad v South Africa
Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Scarlets), Tom James (Blues), Tom Shanklin (Blues), Jamie Robinson (Blues), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), James Hook (Ospreys), Michael Phillips (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Scarlets)
Forwards: Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Alix Popham (Scarlets), Colin Charvis (Dragons), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Blues), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Michael Owen (Dragons), Luke Charteris (Dragons),), Rhys Thomas (Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), T Rhys Thomas (Blues), Gethin Jenkins (Blues, Capt), Duncan Jones (Ospreys)
