Welsh not too concerned by injuries

Rugby:The Welsh management has sought to play down injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Millennium Stadium Six Nations clash with Ireland. There are few concerns for Declan Kidney at this early stage of the week, but a number of Welsh frontliners are carrying knocks.

The Ireland squad trained at the RDS today, with Tomás O’Leary taking part after a back injury ruled him out of the Scotland match. Lock Leo Cullen is still nursing groin strain but is expected to be available for selection when the team is announced tomorrow.

Wales captain Matthew Rees, however, and the versatile James Hook are among the players Wales say have been “managing issues around training”.

Experienced Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett has been called into the squad as cover for Richard Hibbard (shoulder), while starting hooker Rees has a hamstring injury. Hook and number eight Ryan Jones both have calf muscle problems, while wing Morgan Stoddart (shoulder) and backrow Jonathan Thomas (dead leg) also being monitored.

“Both Matthew and Morgan have responded well to extensive treatment since picking up their injuries against Italy,” said Wales national performance medical manager Prav Mathema. “Matthew has a slight hamstring problem, and Morgan sustained an injury to his shoulder during that match.

“But the medical staff have managed both players very well, and together with the hard work they have put in so far, we expect both to be available for Ireland. Richard has a shoulder problem sustained during his outing for the Ospreys this weekend and he needs rest at the moment, although he too should be okay for Saturday.

“Jonathan also picked up his injury at the weekend, and we will further assess him towards the end of this week. The issues with Ryan and James just mean they have taken a limited part in some sessions so far during our preparation, but again, both will be fine.”

Injuries permitting, it is anticipated Wales coach Warren Gatland will on Thursday make minimal changes for the game after successive wins against Scotland and Italy. A move back to outhalf for Hook is expected, with fit-again Jonathan Davies being reunited in the centre with Jamie Roberts.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, meanwhile, says Wales face “a big ask” defensively when Ireland arrive in Cardiff. Only title favourites England have scored more tries than Ireland in this season’s Six Nations. Edwards believes Kidney’s men will continue their expansive approach as they look to maintain a remarkable record in the Welsh capital that shows just one defeat since 1983.

“Ireland were red-hot in the first-half against Scotland, and they also scored three tries against France, which was an exceptional effort," he said. “While they struggled a bit with their handling in Italy, they still created a number of chances. They are playing expansive rugby and scoring tries.

“It will be a big ask for us defensively, but we feel we are up to the challenge. I am very happy with the way our defence has gone in the last couple of games. We have some real power-hitters, and we will have to up it a level against Ireland because they are scoring tries.”

Both Wales and Ireland are still in title contention following two wins out of three, although unbeaten England remain favourites.

Like Ireland, Wales need to improve their discipline. They have so far conceded 40 penalties and free-kicks in this season’s Six Nations and collected three yellow cards - more than any country on both counts.

“Discipline is going to be important,” said Edwards. “Our penalty count has been high against us because we have been tackling for long periods of matches. Possession-wise, we have lost the battle in most of the games, certainly territory-wise, and we have been defending our own 22.

“More penalties are given against defending teams now than attacking ones, which I totally agree with even though I am a defence coach. Defences should be refereed more harshly than attacks, which was not the case 18 months ago when we were getting kick-fests in every game.

“We will be defending with a lot of vigour and aggression and within the rules of the game. We have a powerful kicking game, and you need that against a team of Ireland’s understanding, playing in the right areas. Teams are not scoring tries from 50 or 60 metres against us, so we have to get the ball in their half.”

Edwards also expects Ronan O’Gara to keep the Irish number 10 shirt following his commanding display when preferred to Jonathan Sexton against Scotland.

“They have an option at outhalf with Sexton and O’Gara, who are different types of players. I expect O’Gara to start after the way he played against Scotland. He is in good form, but if he does not start, we will have to adapt later