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Thomas returns to the Welsh fold

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CARDIFF, Wales -- Former captain Gareth Thomas returns to the Wales side for the first time in nine months for Saturday's Test against Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Thomas last played for Wales in February, leading them to a 28-18 Six Nations win over Scotland and scoring a try in the process.

But he then suffered a mini-stroke that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

The health scare, which saw Thomas rupture arteries in his neck, came during the stressful period in which former coach Mike Ruddock made his controversial departure from the post.

Although he has lost the captaincy to Stephen Jones, who partners Scarlets team-mate Dwayne Peel at half-back on Saturday, Thomas has made the starting line-up after having shown some scintillating form on the wing for Toulouse this season.

Gavin Henson, who on Monday picked up a one-month driving ban after being caught speeding, will partner Tom Shanklin at center.

The Henson-Shanklin combination was catalyst to Wales' march to the 2005 grand slam, but injury and suspension have kept that partnership apart until now.

After the match against Australia, Wales play the Pacific Islands, Canada and New Zealand on successive weekends.

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