WARREN GATLAND could summon two of Wales’ 2008 Grand Slam stars for the Six Nations appointment with France next week. Ospreys forwards Huw Bennett and Ian Gough are awaiting possible call-ups as Gatland contemplates his starting XV.
Gatland has lost the services of three forwards who started last Saturday’s 31-24 Millennium Stadium win over Scotland. Hooker Gareth Williams, lock Alun-Wyn Jones and flanker Andy Powell will all miss tomorrow night’s Cardiff showdown against Les Bleus.
Williams has a knee ligament injury, while Jones had elbow surgery on Wednesday and Powell was dropped earlier this week from Gatland’s squad after being charged with drink-driving.
It has also been confirmed Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees, who has played no part in the tournament due to a groin problem, is another absentee for the French clash, together with prop Gethin Jenkins (calf muscle). If, as expected, Jonathan Thomas is moved from lock to backrow as Powell’s replacement, Gatland will find himself changing both secondrows – two from Gough, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris and Deiniol Jones – while Bennett would be favourite for hooking duties.
Gatland is due to name his team next Monday, with two uncapped players – Scarlets hooker Ken Owens and Saracens prop Rhys Gill – set for bench roles. Richie Rees is likely to start against France, replacing his Cardiff Blues colleague Gareth Cooper.
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