Coach Hansen stays

Hansen, who succeeds fellow New Zealander Graham Henry, was given a unanimous vote of confidence by the WRU general committee last night.

He has been preferred to Welsh candidates Mike Ruddock, the Wales A coach, Llanelli's Gareth Jenkins and Lyn Jones of Neath.

Hansen has accepted the offer to be full-time coach, but it is still subject to contractual negotiations, though they are not expected to be a problem.

"It's nice to have it resolved, though we've still got to negotiate the finer points," said Hansen.

"I don't think that will be too much of a problem as long as people are honest and fair with each other.

"I've got the coaching job, but it wasn't on my mind. I always said I'd go along with whatever the WRU did."

Wales team manager Alan Phillips said: "I'm really pleased, it's a positive thing coming with the game tomorrow."

Another plus is news that Stephen Jones is fit to take his place against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium - he has recovered from a knee injury which has restricted his training with the Wales squad this week.

He is reinstated at outside half after withdrawing from the England debacle at Twickenham with back spasms.

"Stephen has made a gradual recovery during the week and he has given us the thunbs up," said a Wales spokesman this morning.

He is brought back at the expense of Iestyn Harris who played against England and now reverts to the bench.

Jones becomes the sixth change made by Hansen after the thrashing by England.

Hansen has already recalled Mark Taylor after just two appearances since his return from a serious knee injury, installed Rhys Williams on the right wing, Barry Williams at hooker, Ian Gough at lock and Colin Charvis at number eight and new captain.

Respected Scotland coach Ian McGeechan believes the new-look Welsh team has more to offer.

"It's a far better balanced team, more mobile and it will make for a very interesting conflict," said McGeechan at the team's Celtic Manor headquarters.