Wales rugby selectors overlooked Gavin Henson on Monday when the Six Nations champions named a 35-man squad featuring one uncapped player for the coming autumn Test matches.
Henson has been performing well for London Welsh in the English Premiership as he looks to revive his career, but failed to displace fellow flyhalves Dan Biggar, James Hook, Rhys Priestland in the squad for games against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
Prop Aaron Jarvis was called up for the first time and centre Jamie Roberts returned from injury, but flanker Dan Lydiate is missing because of an ankle problem.
Assistant coach Rob Howley is in temporary charge of the Welsh while Warren Gatland prepares to head up the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
“We need a successful November to back up our performances at the World Cup in New Zealand (where Wales reached the semifinals) and the Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year, and we are determined to achieve it,” Howley said.
Their first match is against Argentina on November 10.
WALES SQUAD:
Forwards: Scott Andrews, Ryan Bevington, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens, Matthew Rees, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Toby Faletau, Ryan Jones, Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton.Backs: Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Harry Robinson, Ashley Beck, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Dan Biggar, James Hook, Rhys Priestland, Tavis Knoyle, Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Probably too soon for Gavin Henson. While he has turned in a few decent performances for Welsh, I'd imagine that Rob Howley would want to see him do that consistently before giving him the nod again. If he keeps himself out of trouble he might be a good chance for next year's 6N I would have thought.
Bazza All Black
Guest
as much as i love the Welsh manner and spirit they are bigger chokers than The Darkness's RWC teams when it comes to us... They will come close then fall to bits in last 20 mins.. oh cripes, that's what I thought about Bledisoe 3 as well, ....
Billy Bob
Guest
Bernie, have you been to this site before. There is a big black cloud above you and it's incoming!! Run!!!!! Seriously though NZ bloggers, go easy on Bernie. In current form NZ haven't won a game for well.... A couple of weeks now.
Bernie
Guest
The squad looks strong. Wales to beat the blacks this time.