Wales hopeful injuries will clear

WALES ARE optimistic that their bid for Triple Crown glory at Twickenham next week will not be hampered by injuries to key players. Coach Warren Gatland’s entire Six Nations squad will reconvene at their training base on Monday after more than a dozen players were released for club duties this weekend.

That list includes France-based trio Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne, Aviva Premiership contingent Rhys Gill, Andy Powell and Craig Mitchell, plus a number who will be involved in RaboDirect PRO12 action.

So while Gatland must hope that sizeable group all emerge unscathed, he will also keep a close on eye on the likes of George North (ankle), Huw Bennett (calf), Ryan Jones (dead leg) and skipper Sam Warburton (thigh).

That quartet remained among a 20-plus party working with Gatland and his coaching assistants yesterday, in addition to hooker Matthew Rees (calf strain) and flanker Justin Tipuric (ankle).

Victory for Wales over England tomorrow week – only their second at Twickenham since 1988 – would not only secure a 20th championship Triple Crown, but also leave them two more wins away from landing a second Six Nations title and Grand Slam of Gatland’s four-year reign.

“There are a few battered and bruised bodies, still, but we are hoping everyone is going to be up and running by next week,” said Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins. “They’ve got the weekend off after a bit more rehab today, and we will see where we are on Monday and Tuesday.”

Wales’ sole away victory over England in the past 24 years sparked their 2008 Grand Slam season, and they will head east along the M4 next week as firm favourites to emulate that triumph.

But Jenkins added: “One win since 1988 I think says it all, really. We are under no illusions about what is ahead of us a week on Saturday. It is going to be very tough and very physical.

“They (England) won their first two games. It is never easy to go to Murrayfield and Rome and win, and they will be very happy with the results they’ve got.”