WALES' declared intent of bidding a winning farewell to the National Stadium in Cardiff at England's expense tomorrow before the ground is demolished became even more ambitious last night when injuries forced them to make five changes to the side which lost narrowly in Paris a month ago. Arwel Thomas, second row Mark Rowley and flanker Colin Charvis had already been withdrawn, but wing Ieuan Evans and centre Scott Gibbs, Wales only two Test players on the 1993 Lions tour to New Zealand, yesterday ran out of time after struggling all week with calf and neck strains respectively.
Wales have only defeated England once in the 1990s, in Cardiff four years ago when then, as now, injuries forced them to field an unfamiliar side. Wales surged their way to victory on a tide of frenzied emotion that day; they will need passions to run high for a repeat tomorrow.
It is not only the last international which will be staged on the ground that used to be called Cardiff Arms Park, before a 73,000-seat incarnation to be called the Millennium Stadium rises from the rubble, but it will also be the final time Jonathan Davies pulls on the Wales jersey, though Wales coach Kevin Bowring said he will try to persuade the 34-year-old outside-half to continue in international rugby.
Davies, whose faint hope of touring South Africa with the Lions this summer will be extinguished unless he controls play against England, has announced it will be his last appearance for Wales, and he intends to end that chapter of his career as he started it in 1985, with a victory over the English in Cardiff.
"It seems a long time ago," he said. "Then, as now, I had to wait a long time before knowing if I was in the side. The game against England in Cardiff has more meaning for the Welsh nation than any other match and a win would stimulate a considerable `feel good' factor.
"It would also confirm the progress we had made with the team this year, and while injuries have not helped our preparations, we still have an experienced core. We have to make home advantage count and keep the crowd in full voice.
Gibbs' injury heralds the return, of the Llanelli centre Nigel Davies, who lost his place after being injured against France last" September. His was one of the surprise names in the provisional 62-man squad announced by the Lions last month, and he will be marking one of the players he was chosen ahead of England captain Phil de Glanville.
"The last month has been terrific for me," said Davies (32). "I had been very down alter injury had robbed me of my Wales' place and kept me out for three months. When I did recover my fitness, I couldn't get a game for ages because of the weather and referee strike.
"Being recognised by the Lions gave me a real lift, Llanelli started playing well again and now I am back in the Wales' side. It is unfortunate for Scott; I know exactly how he feels."
The Cardiff wing Simon Hill, replaces Ieuan Evans, while Llanelli's Mike Boyle will partner Gareth Llewellyn in the second row to add to the cap he won against France six months ago.
In the back row, Charvis' position at flanker goes to Ebbw Vale's Kingsley Jones with Gwyn Jones still injured. Bowring has called on England to express themselves from the start.
"We would be in for a really great day if England decided to pass the ball wide, but sometimes rugby is a reflection of your culture. England's rugby is like their culture: pretty stolid and conservative whereas the Welsh are expressive and dynamic by nature."
