RUGBY UNION: Henson return delayed again (From Herald Series)

RUGBY UNION: Henson return delayed again

10:00am Saturday 5th January 2013 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

Aviva Premiership

LYN Jones has made three changes for tomorrow’s home clash with champions Harlequins (3), but not the one he was hoping to.

Head coach Jones brings in Paulica Ion at tight-head prop, Michael Hills at openside flanker and Adam Balding at No 8.

But having said he would be “disappointed” if Gavin Henson was not available after a calf injury, Jones must again do without the Welsh international.

Balding replaces Alfie To’oala, Hills comes in for Mike Denbee, while Ion is preferred to a James Tideswell.

Tom Voyce and Tyson Keats return on the bench, with the latter offering competition to Cardiff Blues loanee Rob Lewis at scrum half.

Harlequins have made six changes to the team that defeated London Irish at Twickenham Stadium last weekend.

Ollie Lindsay-Hague comes in for England’s Mike Brown at full back, while Jordan Turner-Hall, another England man, and George Lowe replace Tom Casson and Matt Hopper in the centres.

Sam Smith takes over from Ugo Monye on the left wing.

Lock Charlie Matthews comes in for Olly Kohn, while blindside flanker Tom Guest replaces Maurie Fa’asavalu.

England trio, flanker Chris Robshaw, scrum half Danny Care and prop Joe Marler start.

London Welsh: Arscott, Caprice, Jewell, Parker, Scott, Ross, R Lewis, Montanella, Briggs, Ion, Mills (capt), Kulemin, Jackson, Hills, Balding. Reps: Bateman, Bristow, Tideswell, Corker, To’oala, Keats, Davies, Voyce.

Harlequins: Lindsay-Hague, Williams, Lowe, Turner-Hall, Smith, Evans, Care, Marler, Gray, Johnston, Matthews, Robson, Guest, Robshaw (capt), Easter. Reps: Buchanan, Lambert, Collier, Twomey, Wallace, Dickson, Botica, Hopper.