Sport | Rugby
Warburton returns from injury to captain Wales
- Reuters
- Published: 00:00 February 23, 2012
London: Openside flanker Sam Warburton will captain Wales against England in their Six Nations rugby championship match at Twickenham on Saturday after recovering from a leg injury, the Welsh Rugby Union said on Tuesday.
Warburton is one of three changes made by head coach Warren Gatland to the side who beat Scotland 27-13. Lock Alun Wyn Jones returns after recovering from a toe injury and Scarlets hooker Ken Owens has been handed a first start for his country.
Ryan Jones, who captained Wales against Scotland, drops to the bench and Owens replaces Huw Bennett, who misses out with a calf injury along with backrow forward Andy Powell.
Gatland retains the backline who performed so well in the victories over Ireland in Dublin and Scotland at home.
"A fit-again Alun Wyn Jones is selected based on his rugby World Cup form and his experience as an international lock," Gatland said in a statement.
Selection dilemma
"He gave us a selection dilemma but it has been a great problem to have and, whilst Ryan Jones is particularly unlucky to miss out on this occasion, this is just that kind of competition for places we have been striving for.
"Ken Owens has been waiting patiently for his chance and whilst injuries elsewhere have meant he gets his opportunity this weekend we are expecting him to take it."
Multimedia
Sport Editor's choice
-
Time for innovation, not controversies
Only transparency and fine-tuning can take the event a step further
-
Celebrating a tradition of the seas
The race over 51 nautical miles brings generations of families together, soaking in the spirit and atmosphere of a bygone era. An era that could have been lost forever.
-
Kings of Asian Futsal are the team to beat
Strong iran squad target afc title in 16-team competition which begins in dubai today
