Wales unsure whether to stick or twist

Following their spirited 17-10 victory over bogey-team Samoa last weekend, opinion is divided in Wales as to how they should approach their next Pool D match against Namibia on Monday. On one hand, there is the argument that continuity breeds confidence, and as Wales move into the latter stages of the competition such self-belief and autonomy would be of great benefit to them; but the other side to that argument revolves around the need to rest players and avoid injury to key players when even a weakened side should be more than capable of doing a job on the group's whipping boys. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting should bear this in mind.

Today, Wales' coach Warren Gatland has suggested that he plans to make as many as twelve changes to the starting line-up that performed so well against the Pacific Islanders and kept the country's dreams of a quarter-final tie against Ireland in Wellington alive – a move that directly contradicts the thinking of former Wales captain Gwyn Jones. Jones believes that Leigh Halfpenny should continue his stint at full-back ahead of Lee Byrne, although the former is expected to be drafted back into the fly-half berth which was vacated when James Hook was forced off following a shoulder injury in their last match. People looking at the Rugby World Cup betting odds should bear this in mind.

However, the rumours are that Gatland will attempt to let Byrne play his way into form – meaning that Halfpenny will most likely be rested as Stephen Jones attempts to prove that he is over the calf injury that has blighted him this last month. Speaking candidly this week, Gwyn Jones rubbished this anticipated selection and went on to explain the importance of consistency on the biggest stage of world rugby.

He said: "It might well be windy and wet in Wellington, so let's play Halfpenny there. Lee Byrne, I wouldn't even trust him with a kettle at the moment - let alone a high ball in Wellington - so let's pick the team we're going to play."

Whatever side Gatland selects, the win and accompanying bonus point will be essential to Wales' hopes of reaching the last-eight of the competition – but with Namibia already eliminated they will be a dangerous opponent as they play for both pride and the chance of an memorable upset.