NEWPORT centre Andy Marinos, who captained Wales A to a 26-23 victory over Tonga at Llanelli last night, is after the number 12 position in the senior Welsh team writes Robin Davey.

Since Scott Gibbs retired from international rugby Llanelli pair Leigh Davies and Stephen Jones have occupied the inside centre position against Romania, Ireland and Argentina.

And against Tonga on Saturday the place goes to Iestyn Harris, switched there by Wales coach Graham Henry after an unsuccessful debut at outside half against Argentina. But Marinos is chasing hard and has improved his case with two impressive performance for the A team.

"Number 12 is up for grabs and I very much want it," said Marinos after last night's A game.

"There have been two different holders since Scott Gibbs retired and it's different again now with Iestyn moved there.

"I'll just keep on trying and see how it goes." His only other appearance in a Welsh jersey was in an uncapped game against the USA soon after his arrival from South Africa.

"Morale in Welsh rugby is pretty low, but hopefully the senior side will build on our performance," said Marinos.

"It's good for the guys and for Welsh rugby to get a performance."

Tonga coach Jim Love, a New Zealander, expects Wales to react like a wounded animal. "England lost their game before and beat the world champions so everyone can have a bad day," he said.

lMatthew McCarthy was the Cross Keys centre sent off against Glamorgan Wanderers on Saturday and not Morgan Lovell as previously reported.