CARDIFF, Wales- After surrendering 55 points a week ago to the Irish - it was much more composed and complete Canada side that held two leads against Wales before falling 34  - 13 to the reigning Six Nations champs in Cardiff in front of a crowd of 59,000 Friday night.

Canada took a 3-0 lead in the early going off a penalty kick from James Pritchard before Wales scored a try to take the lead 5-3 midway through the first half.

With just a few minutes until half Pritchard launched a monster kick in the closed roof stadium - hitting from 49 metres to retake the lead 6-5. Then just before the half - Leigh Halfpenny - on his debut scored a sparkling try - to put Wales into the change room at the interval with a less than certain 10-6 lead over Canada.

Canada was much more impressive and confident on the night compared to the rain soaked disaster in Limerick six days ago. The tackles were numerous and well thought out - defense organized - and rarely did Canada go to panic stations in open play - thwarting wave after wave of attacks with convincing tackles into touch.

In the second half the cracks appeared at times in the Canuck defense, but the real problems were in the scrum- where two penalty tries on the Canadian line showed where Wales was really putting the pressure on. With the score 27-6 Canada was still interested in playing some rugby and on the ensuing kick-off Calgary’s Ryan Smith stepped into a Welsh passing play at mid-field to race fifty metres for the try under the posts.

James Pritchard converted to bring the score to 27-13 - and this in turn invigorated the Canadians - who upped the tempo - creating break downs and consternation in the Welsh camp.

Near full time it was Halfpenny getting his second of the night for the dream debut - and a final score of 34-13 to Wales.

Tags: Rugby Canada, Welsh rugby

Ebbw Vale centre Aaron Bramwell has clinched the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for October.

Brawmell, who joined the Steelmen from Neath at the start of last season, was nominated for the award by Principality Premiership coaches and WRU elite performance staff. He was presented with a cheque for £100 by Caitlin Williams at the Ebbw Vale branch of the Principality Building Society.

Bramwell returned from injury a month ago and took over the kicking duties for the club. His performances with the boot and in midfield helped the Steelmen notch away victories during the month at Cardiff (25-26), Llandovery (9-15) and at home over Premiership champions Neath (29-10).

He said, “I was just pleased to be able to put some games together after being out through injury. I picked up a knee strain in the Neath game but I’m hoping to return at the end of November for our home encounter with League leaders Llanelli.

“I’m really grateful for being given an opportunity at Ebbw Vale, and I’m thankful that Patrick Horgan suggested a move from full back to centre, a position I’m really enjoying this season.

“There’s a great bunch of players at Ebbw Vale, and the coaching staff with Matthew McCarthy and Lyn Jones now involved create a really professional environment.

“We had some really good wins in October, especially over Cardiff at the Arms Park and over champions Neath, but we have to keep that momentum going now which is not going to be easy.”

Ebbw Vale coach Matthew McCarthy added, “Aaron is a young player who could still make the step up to the next level and play regional rugby, if he stays injury free. He took over the kicking duties for the Cardiff game and really helped to turn our early season form around. He has a physical presence in midfield and certainly deserves this accolade.”

Aaron Bramwell factfile:

DoB: 1.03.86
Place of Birth - Aberdare
Club - Ebbw Vale
Position - Centre
Nickname - Brams
Player most admired - Percy Montgomery
Sportsman most admired - Mohammed Ali
Biggest impact on career - Family
Occupation - Rugby player and play scheme assistant

Tags: AARON BRAMWELL

Wales physio Mark Davies has, today, ruled Duncan Jones out of the remainder of the Invesco Perpetual Series of matches at the Millennium Stadium, this November.

Ospreys prop Jones has been carrying a bone injury in his right foot which left him out of contention for selection to face the World Champions South Africa last week, as well as Canada at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night (Friday), but he has now also been withdrawn for the visits of New Zealand and Australia.

“Duncan has had a long term bone problem in his foot which has recently flared up,” said Davies.

“It is likely that he will now be in plaster for a period time and we are currently taking specialist advice before predicting when he will be able to make a return, but we know he will not be available to us for our matches against the All Blacks and the Wallabies.”

Jones has been replaced in the Wales squad by Cardiff Blues prop John Yapp, who joined up with Gatland and his men last week along with his regional colleague Tom James.

Wing James joined the squad to provide cover in the backs and will now remain after the withdrawal yesterday of Ospreys centre Gavin Henson with an Achilles injury.

Tags: Duncan Jones

Welsh rugby’s Principality Premiership clubs have reaffirmed Chris Clarke as Chairman and Byron Mugford as Secretary of their powerful representative committee.

The unanimous vote of approval was taken at their monthly meeting in Aberavon where the committee debates the operation and development of Welsh rugby’s semi professional division.

Chris Clarke who is also Secretary of Cross Keys RFC and Byron Mugford, who represents Swansea RFC will now continue to represent the Premiership clubs in all major negotiations and key decision making forums.

The committee which comprises all fourteen of the Principality Premiership clubs noted that the pair had led them through massive change and improvement in recent years.

Representatives said they could now focus on making the division an even stronger part of Welsh rugby’s elite development pathway.

The WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “I am delighted that the Premiership representatives have recognised the hard work, dedication and vision of Chris and Byron with this show of support.

“They are men who vigorously lead the Principality Premiership forward at a time when the shape of the semi professional game in Wales is being defined for the future.

“They champion a vital section of our elite development pathway in a way which demands respect from us all. They represent excellent stewardship of the Premiership.”

Tags: Principality Premiership

More than 41,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the Friday night Invesco Perpertual clash between Wales and Canada as the Millennium Stadium edges closer to a sell-out Autumn series.

The international clash against Australia on November the 29th has now been declared a sell out with tickets for the New Zealand game completely sold out several weeks ago.

That means the Canada clash is the last opportunity for supporters to get to a game to cheer on Warren Gatland’s team this Grand Slam year.

There has been a surge in Canada ticket sales following Saturdays sell out international between Wales and South Africa from fans anxious to savour the big game atmosphere live.

The international against Canada kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday with the remaining tickets for sale at £10 for juniors and £15 for adults.

Tickets can be ordered by phone from Ticketmaster on 08705 582582 or supporters can call Ticketline on 02920 230130 or call into their Westgate Street, Cardiff shop in person.

With the Canada match tickets selling at pace the Invesco Perpetual Autumn four match series is already assured of being watched live by more than a quarter of a million Millennium Stadium fans.

The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Roger Lewis, said:”Ticket sales for all the autumn games have been amazing and the interest in the Canada match is building at pace.

“Welsh rugby fans know that the Canadians can prove formidable international opponents so we know we are in for a great game.

“The Canadians arrived in Wales on Sunday and they are really looking forward to savouring the Millennium Stadium atmosphere and I know our supporters will give them a great welcome.

“We have ensured the ticket prices for the Friday night game are very competitive and it will be a great rugby occasion for all the family.”

With tickets for Australia and New Zealand all sold out any supporter still hoping to buy one should contact their local Welsh rugby club just in case they have the luck to come across one that has become available at the last minute.

Tags: Rugby Canada, Welsh Rugby Union

Skipper Ryan Jones, Leigh Halfpenny and Tom Shanklin are the three players retained from Saturday’s 20-15 defeat by the world champion Springboks for Friday night’s second Invesco Perpetual 08 Series match against Canada at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has rung the changes for the Canadian challenge, including switching Jones across the back row from number six to No8.

That means Saturday’s Invesco Perpetual man-of-the-match Andy Powell moves to the bench after an impressive debut.

Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts is set to make his international debut in place of Dwayne Peel, but the most changes come up front where Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones joins Blues flyer Robin Sowden-Taylor alongside Jones in the back row.

It’s all change in the front five with 2005 Grand Slam squad member John Yapp called into the squad to win his ninth cap following a two-year absence after Duncan Jones was ruled out with a foot injury.

Richard Hibbard and Rhys Thomas complete the front row while Ian Gough and Luke Charteris will pack down behind them.

There are five new starting faces behind the scrum with Mark Jones recovering from the knee injury that forced him out of contention against the Springboks.

He takes his place on the left wing as Wales’ record try-scorer Shane Williams is given a break, with Leigh Halfpenny winning his second cap on the other wing

James Hook picks up where they left off after replacing Stephen Jones at half-back and forms a new partnership with debutant Roberts.

Andrew Bishop joins Shanklin at centre in place of Jamie Roberts while Scarlet Morgan Stoddart starts at full-back in place of Lee Byrne.

“We have a short turn around before we face Canada and this was always going to be a game in which we tried to utilise our squad,” said Gatland.

“We have a chance to put defeat against South Africa behind us and really try to build some momentum before the All Blacks and the Wallabies come to town so we know what we need to achieve against Canada.

“It’s a real boost to have someone of Mark Jones credentials back available to us and we are also pleased to give Leigh Halfpenny a chance to get another cap under his belt with places still very much up for grabs in those positions.

“Tom Shanklin again gets the opportunity for further game time after coming in at a late stage last week and doing a great job and we are keen to see how that partnership goes with Andrew Bishop. Martin Roberts also has a chance to win his first cap and we are looking forward to seeing what he can offer us.

“Up front Duncan Jones has been carrying a foot injury so that has opened the door for John Yapp to join us and the likes of Luke Charteris and Robin Sowden-Taylor also have the chance to wear the red shirt and show us what they can do.

“There are many of changes from last week but we have maintained consistency by keeping Ryan in there as captain and we have some experience and impact players too on the bench.”

Osprey fly-half Dan Biggar and Sale prop Eifion Roberts all have the chance to win first caps for from the replacements bench and they are joined by experienced heads in Matthew Rees, Alun Wyn-Jones and Jamie Roberts alongside the impressive Powell.

Ospreys centre Gavin Henson was not considered for selection this week as the Wales coaching team await reports from a medical specialist in consultation about his Achilles injury.

WALES: Morgan Stoddart; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Andrew Bishop, Mark Jones; James Hook, Martin Roberts; John Yapp, Richard Hibbard, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Jones (Captain),

REPLACEMENTS:

Matthew Rees, Eifion Roberts, Alun-Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Dwayne Peel, Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts

Tags: Rugby Canada, Welsh rugby news

The Springboks held out a second half onslaught from the Welsh team to scrape home 20 - 15 at the Millenium Stadium.

The visitors scored the only two tries of the match a well worked early try and a second half interception, apart from that the match was pretty much all Wales.

How the Welsh team has not won this match will puzzle both spectator and player alike. The simple truth is though that when Wales come up against a top team  and have a real chance of victory composure often lets them down.

The last 10 minutes of the match was proof in the pudding, simple errors at key times killed off the chance of victory.

Western Province full back Conrad Jantjes kept Wales at bay time after time with clearing up and unders, whilst Schalk Burger made Martyn Williams look all of his 30+ years.

Wales will take many positives from the match, both debutants were excellent with Andy Powell getting man of the match deservedly. With the Lions coaches in the Stands Lee Byrne has put notice that the Fullback Jersey is his and it is going to take some removing from him.

Wales

Tries:
Con:
Pen: Halfpenny, Hook 4
DG:

South Africa

Tries: Jacobs, de Villiers
Con: Pienaar 2
Pen: Pienaar 2
DG:

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), James Hook (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys).

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes (Western Province); JP Pietersen (Sharks), Adrian Jacobs (Sharks), Jean de Villiers (Western Province), Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls); Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls); Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), John Smit (Sharks, capt), Bakkies Botha (Blue Bulls), Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls), Schalk Burger (Western Province), Juan Smith (Free State Cheetahs), Pierre Spies (Blue Bulls).
Replacements: Brian Mujati (Western Province), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Blue Bulls), Andries Bekker (Western Province), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Ricky Januarie (Western Province), Frans Steyn (Sharks), Jaque Fourie (Golden Lions).

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).

Tags: Springboks, Welsh rugby news

The Welsh Club XV have beaten Germany in Berlin 27 - 14, the hosts had held a 9 - 8 halftime lead.

This may have been a “Wales CLubs XV” but all Welsh players on show were affiliated with the Welsh regions. These are next best players Wales have to offer.

The welsh were dominant in the set phase areas of the game and caused the German lineout no end of problems.

The visitors outscored their hosts 4 tries to 1, with the Germans getting their score in the dying seconds. This match once again highlights the gap in style and skill that exists between the top nations and next tiers. more games of this nature are imperitive for the Germany’s of the world to improve.

German squad:

Tim Coly (RG Heidelberg), Gilles Valette (Cahors Rugby), Christian Baracat (SC Neuenheim), Benjamin Krause (DSV Hannover 78), Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim), Damien Tussac (RC Toulon), Benjamin Danso (DRC Hannover), Bodo Sieber (University of Cape Town RFC), Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg), Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg), Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim), Tim Kasten (Southend RFC), Jens Schmidt (TSV Handschuhsheim), Gerrit van Look (Berliner RC), Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880), Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg), Rafael Pyrasch (DSV Hannover 78), Kieron Davies (Bedford), Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim), Marten Strauch (SC Neuenheim), Edmoore Takendesa (RG Heidelberg), Juan Martin Goity (Newmarket RC), Udo Schwarz (SC Neuenheim), Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim)

Wales Clubs XV:

Matthew John (UWIC RFC/Blues/Scarlets); Tom Bonnell (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Steve Martin (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Emyr Williams (Whitland RFC/Scarlets), David James (Blackwood RFC/Dragons); Jamie Howells (capt, Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Andrew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets); Ross Jones (Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Daniel Smith (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), James Huntley (Rhiwbina RFC/Blues), Jamie Noble (Newbridge RFC/Dragons), Alex Jenkins (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Chris James (Narberth RFC/ Scarlets), Shaun Miles (Ammanford RFC/Scarlets), Colin Davies (Cardigan RFC/Scarlets).
Replacements: Alun Davies (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Rhys Cleverley (Beddau RFC/Blues), Sion Dafydd Waddington (Pentyrch RFC/Blues), Chris Strick (Felinfoel RFC/Scarlets), Carwyn Morgan (Pill Harriers / Dragons), Matthew Lewis (Builth Wells RFC/Blues), Matthew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets)

Tags: Germany, Wales Club XV

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has confirmed inside centre Gavin Henson made a late withdrawal from the Invesco Perpetual Series clash with South Africa at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (Kick-off 2.30pm).

Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts moves infield to replace Henson and Tom Shanklin is promoted from the bench to fill the outside centre berth vacated by Roberts.

Shanklin will win his 55th cap while South African summer tour debutant Andrew Bishop moves on to the bench in his place.

“We wanted to give Gavin the best opportunity to be able to play against South Africa, but after sitting out today’s Captain’s run at the Millennium Stadium he told us he wasn’t going to be right for the game,” said Howley.

“We were quite comfortable with leaving it to this stage or indeed until tomorrow morning as we have Tom available to slot into midfield and Jamie Roberts is more than capable of moving into inside centre.

“Gavin had taken part in training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, but has also been rested for some of our sessions this week. We have had ample opportunity to run the Shanklin and Roberts combination and knew this configuration would be our other option, but thought it was important that Gavin made the decision on his capability to play himself.”

Tags: Gavin Henson, Springboks, Welsh rugby

Tredegar Comprehensive School PE teacher Jamie Howells will lead the Wales Clubs XV out against Germany tomorrow (Saturday) at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.

Gerry Roberts’ side, selected from club players from SWALEC Leagues One to Five, will make history as they become the first Wales side to compete wearing the new, Wales Under Armour kit, with their match kicking off in the German capital at 2.00pm German time, 90 minutes ahead of the Prince William Cup game at the Millennium Stadium.

Howells played in the Wales Clubs XV side that beat France at Virginia Park, Caerphilly two years ago, before stepping out of National League rugby to try his hand in the Premiership with Ebbw Vale last season. But he returned to Bargoed in Division One East this season, qualifying to be selected for the non-professional national side once again.

He said: “We are really excited to be playing this match, especially given that it’s taking place at such a prestigious venue as the Olympic Stadium.

“The vehicle of the Clubs XV enabled me to try out Premiership rugby which I’m very grateful for but I’m happy to be back at Bargoed and, especially, leading my country at this level in an international match.

“We are expecting Germany to be a physical side and they are ranked 25th in the IRB world rankings so it should certainly prove to be a tough challenge for us but we are hoping we will have the upper hand when it comes to technical nous.

“Some of our families have come out to Germany to support us so we are hoping to provide a performance to make them proud”, added Howells, who hails from Rhymney in Caerphilly County Borough.

“My school have also been really supportive, and the boys in Tredegar Comprehensive School rugby team have all wished me well!”

Prop Ross Jones has also returned to Bargoed after a spell with the Steelmen and returns to the side for their fifth international match.

Six Narberth players are selected after performing well for the Scarlets Clubs XV in recent games, while clubs from Divisions One to Four are represented in the team selection.

Wales Clubs XV v Germany: Matthew John (UWIC RFC/Blues/Scarlets); Tom Bonnell (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Steve Martin (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Emyr Williams (Whitland RFC/Scarlets), David James (Blackwood RFC/Dragons); Jamie Howells (capt, Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Andrew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets); Ross Jones (Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Daniel Smith (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), James Huntley (Rhiwbina RFC/Blues), Jamie Noble (Newbridge RFC/Dragons), Alex Jenkins (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Chris James (Narberth RFC/ Scarlets), Shaun Miles (Ammanford RFC/Scarlets), Colin Davies (Cardigan RFC/Scarlets).
Replacements: Alun Davies (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Rhys Cleverley (Beddau RFC/Blues), Sion Dafydd Waddington (Pentyrch RFC/Blues), Chris Strick (Felinfoel RFC/Scarlets), Carwyn Morgan (Pill Harriers / Dragons), Matthew Lewis (Builth Wells RFC/Blues), Matthew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets)

Tags: Germany, Welsh Clubs XV