Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins has dropped Brent Cockbain from his World Cup plans - and given a surprise call-up to uncapped Gloucester lock Will James. Cockbain started the first Test on the recent tour of Australia but has been axed from Jenkins' 41-man World Cup training squad.
James, who has represented Wales at A level, played for Gloucester in the English Premiership final defeat to Leicester. "Will is someone we have been keeping an eye on and we felt the time was right for us to have a closer look at him," said Jenkins.
The only other uncapped member of the wider squad is Cardiff winger Tom James, who did not feature on the Australia tour after receiving a late call-up but impressed Jenkins in training.
Llanelli Scarlets pair Gavin Evans (shoulder) and Dafydd James (knee) plus Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas (ankle) are all included after recent injuries.
"There are players in this squad who have forced themselves into contention after stepping up to the task presented to them in Australia and there are a couple of people who still need the opportunity to show us what they have to offer," said Jenkins. "We will be fine-tuning our selection over the coming weeks."
Wales face England at Twickenham on August 4th before Jenkins has to finalise his World Cup 30 on August 14th.
Wales Squad
Backs:Aled Brew, Lee Byrne, Gareth Cooper, Gavin Evans, Gavin Henson, James Hook, Dafydd James, Thomas James, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Kevin Morgan, Sonny Parker, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Thomas, Shane Williams.
Forwards:Huw Bennett, Colin Charvis, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Richard Hibbard, Chris Horsman, Will James, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Duncan Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Michael Owen, Alix Popham, Matthew Rees, Rob Sidoli, Gavin Thomas, Iestyn Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Rhys Thomas, T Rhys Thomas, Martyn Williams.
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