Wales Under Armed Guard

Seven members of a special forces team have been assigned to the 26-strong Welsh squad who meet the Boks at Bloemfontein this weekend.
And although there have been no problems as yet, the team will stay with the Welsh squad for the duration of their two week stay in South Africa.
Team manager Alan Phillips said, “We are not overly concerned with the situation but they are with us all the time, wherever we go.
“It’s quite interesting to watch them because they have a sign language all of their own. But we are not overly concerned with the situation, it’s just nice to know they are there.”
Cape Town is not renowned for crime but as veteran fly half Neil Jenkins said, “You get this kind of protection wherever you go in South Africa. You just have to be careful.
“On the Lions tour in 1997 we actually had guards on the floor of our hotels. I suppose you start worrying when it gets like that. But this is just precautionary and the boys are not too bothered.”
Coach Hansen has no new problems to worry about – centre Andy Marinos who limped out of last week’s humiliating defeat by the Barbarians with an ankle injury, trained yesterday (Monday) and will be available for selection.
With Iestyn Harris, Nathan Budgett, Scott Quinnell, Chris Anthony and Dafydd James unable to tour because of injury, Hansen is delighted to be in a position to select from a full squad.
“The boys have worked hard over the past couple of days and though we understand the enormity of the task ahead, we are looking forward to pitching in against them on Saturday,” added Phillips.