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Wales' Home From Home

Wales arrive
By Andrew Collins
June 7 2006
5 of 7 Blues make the Welsh squad for Sunday’s first test against Argentina in Welsh-found Patagonia.

Mike Philips, Nick Robinson and Jamie Robinson all start for Gareth Jenkins’ first test in charge, while Chris Czekaj and John Yapp watch from the bench. Robin Sowden-Taylor and late call-up Nick Macleod will watch from the stands, but hope to be involved in the second test next week.

 

Meanwhile, the boys have been making the most of their holiday, exploring the shores that were discovered by Welsh settlers. Over 80% of the small city still speak Welsh as their first language, and the squad were given a hero’s welcome as they arrived back ‘home’.

 

Fans turned out fully dressed in Welsh girls costumes, rugby shirts and daffodils to catch a glimpse of their founding countries stars. Below, Nick Macleod and Robin Sowden-Taylor are overwhelmed by the fantastic reception. Fellow Blues Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips and Chris Czeakj can be sen arriving at the airport.

 


 


 

Brothers Nicky and Jamie Robinson are caught hanging around Patagonia above, while below, Nick and Mike Phillips contemplate the task at hand.

 


 

In the next photo, Blues utility back Nick Macleod shows off his bare feet, for a media story about him having no boots! The 23-year old cut short a holiday in Bordeaux to answer his countries call, but with just his holiday belongings, Macleod has no boots! He has spent his first few hours browsing the stores for the pair he may well receive his first Welsh cap in.

 

Obviously I didn't take my boots away with me on holiday as that would have been a little over-keen, even for me! Obviously I've picked up the team kit provided by the national squad, but boots are a personal thing so I've had to hit the shops in Argentina to pick up a pair like the ones I use at home.”

 

About his chances, he went on to say,

 

"I'm not expecting to be anywhere near the starting line-up, but if you'd asked me this time last week would I expect to be in South America representing my country I would have said no way. I'm just going to enjoy the experience and work hard and see what happens.”

 


 

The team for Sunday is as follows:

 

Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Jamie Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Mike Phillips (Cardiff Blues); Duncan Jones (Ospreys, captain), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets).

Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Bath Rugby), Andy Williams (Bath Rugby), James Hook (Ospreys), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues).

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