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Wales setback as skipper ruled out

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LONDON, England -- Wales suffered a setback as they bid to avoid the embarrassment of a Six Nations wooden spoon with captain Stephen Jones forced out of Saturday's final match against England at the Millennium Stadium.

The flyhalf has aggravated the wrist injury he suffered against Italy in Rome and is also a doubt for his club side Lllanelli Scarlets' European Cup quarterfinal against Munster at the end of the month.

Jones had hoped to line up after recovering from a blow to the head he suffered in the 23-20 defeat to Italy last weekend which leaves the Welsh rock bottom of the standings.

But a x-ray of his wrist, which he also damaged in Rome, has revealed a hairline fracture so Gareth Thomas will come into the starting XV at inside center taking over as captain, with James Hook moving to fly-half.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins said: "Stephen has been nothing short of inspirational in camp over the last few days and this is by no means ideal preparation for what is an important week for us all.

"However we are all confident James Hook will be able to change position and meet the challenge presented to him and Alfie's (Thomas) inclusion has positive implications both psychologically and for rugby reasons."

France changes

France have recalled Imanol Harinordoquy, Cedric Heymans and Pierre Mignoni to the starting lineup for Saturday's decisive Six Nations match against Scotland at Stade de France.

Coach Bernard Laporte told journalists on Wednesday he had yet to decide who would start at flyhalf as he was awaiting news on David Skrela, who suffered an ankle injury in France's 26-18 defeat to England at Twickenham on Sunday.

"A decision will be made on Thursday," team manager Jo Maso added.

"David will start the game if he is passed fit. If not, Lionel Beauxis will play and Damien Traille will be on the bench."

Skrela or Beauxis will play alongside Pierre Mignoni, who returns at scrumhalf after Dimitri Yachvili failed to maintain his reputation as "The scourge of England" at Twickenham.

Short of both conditioning and form, Yachvili drops out of the squad completely with Jean-Baptiste Elissalde named as a replacement.

"Dimitri suffered from a lack of playing time after being on the bench for our three wins against Italy, Ireland and Wales. Mignoni started those three games and did well," Laporte said.

Harinordoquy, whose only start this year was at flanker in the victory over Ireland at Croke Park, replaces Sebastien Chabal at number eight.

"Imanol is our best lineout jumper. He was one of our most promising players during the 2003 World Cup. He went through a difficult period, but he is back at his best and hungry," Maso said.

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