Wales Faces England in Five Nations Championship Match

The mood of optimism in Wales was dampened by the news that Ieuan Evans will miss the team's match against England due to a damaged hamstring. However, the omission of Evans has presented an opportunity for Nigel Walker, who will make his 17th international appearance and partner Gareth Thomas on the wings. The combination of Walker's finishing qualities and speed with Thomas's defensive prowess and try-scoring ability has the potential to bring a notable boost to the Welsh team.

Key Takeaways:

• Ieuan Evans, Wales' most-capped player and leading try-scorer, has withdrawn from the team due to a damaged hamstring, a similar injury that kept him out of the match against England a year ago.
• Nigel Walker, making his 17th international appearance, will play on the left wing, with Gareth Thomas moving across to the right, providing a potent combination of finishing qualities and speed.
• Wales coach Kevin Bowring expressed confidence in Walker, stating that he has the chance to make him eat his words, citing the player's remarkable strike-rate of 12 tries in 16 matches.
• Gareth Thomas, also making an appearance, has a notable try-scoring record of 12 tries in 24 matches and will bolster the Welsh side's defense and attack.
• Evans, who will miss his 73rd appearance for Wales and 11th against England, is still under contract with Bath until the end of next year and is eager to show his capabilities before the 1999 World Cup.
• Robert Howley, Wales' captain, expressed confidence in the team's ability to take advantage of England's current malaise and scores their first win at Twickenham since 1988.

Statistics:

• Ieuan Evans has scored 73 caps for Wales and 11 against England.
• Nigel Walker has scored 12 tries in 16 international matches
• Gareth Thomas has scored 12 tries in 24 international matches, boasting an enviable strike-rate for the Welsh side.
• Robert Howley made his international debut in 1996, scoring a try in a 21-15 defeat against Wales and has gone on to captain the team, carrying the burden of scoring another try against England in Cardiff last year.
• Arwel Thomas, the Swansea fly half, has come through training despite a heavy knock to his knee at the weekend.
• Allan Bateman, the Richmond centre, has recovered from a bruised shin and is ready to face England.
• England's Lawrence Dallaglio has been confirmed fit to play against Wales after struggling with a damaged rib cartilage.
• Marc Lievremont will start for France alongside his brother, Thomas, against Scotland at Murrayfield, having played outstandingly for Stade Francais in their win over Castres on Sunday.

Sources:

• The Times, 1998