Bennett: Injury a blessing

Jones misses the final round of the Six Nations with a wrist injury, leaving Wales coach Gareth Jenkins with little choice than to move James Hook from centre to fly-half.

Many observers felt Jenkins should have selected Hook at number 10 and dropped Jones before the injury forced his hand.

Jones has been out-of-sorts in this year's championship and took a blow to the face in the shock defeat to Italy last weekend that forced him to leave the field for stitches.

"He looked pale, ashen and beaten up after the loss to Italy and it was time to get him out of the firing line," Bennett told the South Wales Echo.

"I'm most concerned with Stephen's health and stability. The injury could be a blessing in disguise."

Even before the injury was announced Bennett questioned the wisdom of playing Jones.

"It does a player no good to keep losing because confidence starts to wane and you get into a vicious circle of defeat and dented self-belief," said the former Wales and British Lions captain.

"Sometimes you need to take a player out of the firing line, otherwise the bullets start to find their target.

"Perhaps it's time for the skipper to stand aside for the last match of the tournament.

"It would give him a chance to recharge his batteries with the Scarlets, without the pressure of this losing streak.

"My fear is that Stephen and others have that haunted look of men who can't break out of a rut."

With Hook moving to fly-half, Jenkins has named Gareth Thomas as captain and centre.