Henry sticks to plan

Henry: 'Merceron is a very good kicker out of hand'

Wales coach Graham Henry is unmoved by Wednesday's news that his opposite number, Bernard Laporte, has opted to start with Gerald Merceron at outside-half for Saturday's Six Nations match in Paris.

The Montferand No 10 has been given his chance in the France starting line-up ahead of Christophe Lamaison, who is dropped to the bench at Stade de France.

"I think it's just a change in personnel," Henry said. "I don't think there'll be a tactical change.

Mark Taylor trained well today and there's not a problem

Graham Henry
Wales coach

"Merceron's a very good kicker out of hand so I don't think there will be much change at all. He has been playing well for his club and has got the opportunity.

"I don't suppose they're too keen on how Lamaison has been playing recently. We all know he's a quality rugby player but his form has dropped a bit."

Henry reiterated his belief that Wales must not get drawn into a kicking battle for territory and must look to counter-attack with the ball in hand.

Progress

Concerns over the fitness of former captain Mark Taylor have eased with the news that the Swansea centre has overcome his ankle injury and will start against France.

"Mark's been fine," Henry added. "He was always going to be okay, it was just a precaution so he didn't make it worse.

"We've kept him off his ankle for the last two training sessions but he trained well today and there's not a problem."

There was further good news for Henry on Tuesday night when Wales' clubs agreed with the Welsh Rugby Union not to play their Test players the Saturday before international games next season.

"We made some positive progress. The Test team not playing during the Six Nations for their clubs is a big step in the right direction.

"But there's still a huge way to go in our structure."