Rugby Union: Thomas' chance to erase all doubts

Arwel Thomas is ready to take the biggest opportunity of his career against the United States at Cardiff Arms Park today and make Wales' famous outside-half jersey his own.

But, having stolen the position ahead of his rivals, Jonathan Davies and Neil Jenkins, for this season's Five Nations' Championship, Swansea's exciting young playmaker intends to leave them trailing.

"There are huge pressures attached to this job," the 22-year-old admitted. "You cannot afford to make it a burden though, because nothing will work.''

Thomas, whose six previous caps were scattered throughout Wales' 12 internationals last year, added: "This time, I really intend holding on to my place. Physically, I am a little bit bigger and I've certainly gained some extra pace, but the most important thing is experience and the belief that I can now handle being the Welsh fly-half."

The Wales coach, Kevin Bowring, clearly thinks so as well. "No matter how frustrating Arwel can be, when he plays, he brings out the best in our three-quarter line," Bowring said.

Bowring's latest team selection probably will not be his definitive version for the Five Nations opener against Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday week.

Jonathan Humphreys, the suspended skipper, is expected to return after sitting out the US match, while fit-again flanker Dale McIntosh could also challenge if a new-look back row combination of Steve Williams, Scott Quinnell and Colin Charvis does not function.

WALES: J Thomas (Cardiff); I Evans (Llanelli), A Bateman (Richmond), S Gibbs (Swansea, capt), G Thomas (Bridgend); A Thomas (Swansea), R Howley (Cardiff); C Loader (Swansea), G Jenkins (Swansea), D Young (Cardiff), G Llewellyn (Harlequins), M Rowley (Pontypridd), S Williams (Neath), S Quinnell (Richmond), C Charvis (Swansea). Replacements: J Davies (Cardiff), P John (Pontypridd), C Quinnell (Richmond), G Jones (Cardiff), L Mustoe (Cardiff), B Williams (Neath).

UNITED STATES: M Williams (Gentlemen of Aspen); V Anitoni (Yankees), R Tardits (Life College), M Scharrenberg (Reading), B Hightower (Gentlemen of Aspen); M Alexander (Denver Barbarians), A Bachelet (Reading); R Lehner (Blackheath), T Billups (Blackheath), B LeClerc (Gentlemen of Aspen), C Vogl (Bridgend), A Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen), D Lyle (Bath, capt), R Lumkong (Pontypridd), J Wilkerson (Belmont Shore). Replacements: C Lippert (Rugby), S Allen (Rugby), J Walker (Gentlemen of Aspen), B Howard (Life College), E Schram (OMBAC), C Morrow (Gentlemen of Aspen).

Referee: L Mayne (Ireland).