WALES caretaker coach Scott Johnson has admitted he breathed a huge sigh of relief when Stephen Jones was passed fit to play, writes Nabil Hassan.

Jones lines up at outside-half for Wales when they take-on Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (1.30pm).

The number 10 had been doubtful having picked up a dead-leg in Wales' defeat to Ireland nearly a fortnight ago.

But having had intense physio since the game he got through a fitness test on Tuesday and was passed fit to play the game.

And Johnson is absolutely delighted that the 54-times capped ASM Clermont Auvergne outside-half is able to make his team.

He said: "We've had our fair share of bad luck with injuries over the past few months and we could ill-afford another one.

"So it was great news to have Stephen Jones available for this game.

"The physio team worked hard to get him fit and they've done a great job.

"Stephen has so many qualities. He is passionate about the game, he loves his life, he loves rugby. He is never down and is a bubbly character and a great guy to have around. He lifts everyone in the squad and is a very important member of this team.

"Those are the qualities he has off the pitch, there are so many of them and I've not even started talking about his influence on the pitch.

"He is hugely experienced and is a quality rugby player and we are very lucky to have him." Johnson has made only the one change to the side that lost in Ireland with Shane Williams coming in for Dafydd James.

But Nicky Robinson and Alix Popham come on to the bench and Johnson admits he has been impressed with both.

He said: "Both Nicky and Alix are knocking on the door.

"Nicky probably had his best game for the Blues since I came to Wales.

"He dictated the play and asserted himself on the match and he deserves his spot on the bench.

"I've been impressed by Alix for a while now.

"He's changed the way we view him. We used to see him as a super-sub type of player but he's worked hard and changed that view. He's lost a bit of weight and replaced it with good muscle and is now someone that can play for 80 minutes.

"He changed as an athlete and you have to admire him for that and he is another who deserves his place on the bench.

"Elsewhere, we have kept faith with the majority of the side that under-performed in Dublin and told them to go out there on Saturday and put things right.

"The boys have a second chance to prove what they are capable of and that the last outing was just a blip."