LEIGH HALFPENNY, DAN Biggar and Taulupe Faletau have all returned to training for Wales ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Ireland, while Liam Williams is also set for Dublin after two outings with Saracens.
Victory for Wales would end Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes and keep alive their own title apirations, while a home win would tighten the spotlight further on final day showdown against England at Twickenham on 17 March.
Halfpenny, Biggar and Faletau all missed the 12-6 defeat to England at Twickenham, which came after Wales opened their Six Nations account with a thumping 34-7 success against Scotland.
George North, a second-half replacement at Twickenham, and Williams scored tries for Northampton and Saracens at the weekend.
“Everybody has been given the green light and we’ve got a few boys who are happy they scored at the weekend (in club rugby),” Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde told WRU TV.
“There were a couple of wins and some good performances so it’s great to have everybody back with a spring in their step.
“It’s nice to have a few selection headaches and plenty of players to choose from. There’s a competitive edge to training and there will be a few tough calls I’m sure, but we’re looking forward to those discussions.”
Fullback Halfpenny, who scored two tries against Scotland, missed the Twickenham defeat after picking up a foot injury.
Out-half Biggar suffered a shoulder injury in Champions Cup action for Ospreys last month and number eight Faletau has battled back after damaging knee ligaments.
Wing Josh Adams, who started the opening two games in the absence of North and Williams, was also in try-scoring form for Worcester this weekend.
“The fact we’ve been there before and had success is something we can draw on,” McBryde said.
“But every Six Nations is different, with different players and different circumstances. It’s a must-win game for us.
“We just need to find some of the finer details to make sure that ball is being delivered on a plate for our backs.”
Ireland currently top the table on points difference from England after winning their opening two games against France and Italy.
So he’s not going to Newcastle then
@Richard O’Brien: Thought he was a shoe-in for Derby County. Everything he needs there too.. sorry, except the bottomless pit of money.
@An Observer: your not suggesting that the reason he’s so successful is the cash he can flash are you. The citeh fans won’t like that
@Richard O’Brien: An awful lot more to management than money. Obviously he can buy whoever he wants but then he has to handle all those huge egos, keep them happy and get them playing for the team, which I think is the secret to his success. If it was just about money Mickey Mouse could be manager.
@ger o’ dwyer: thanks for the lesson and I don’t necessarily disagree but I think it takes a better manager to be successful without the cash
@Richard O’Brien: careful now, in the spirit of the 21st century we shouldn’t take the piss out of minority groups.
Great to hear a man with extensive knowledge of the game commenting about how good a league the premiership is, a lot of haters out their saying the premier league is a joke, because only one or two teams can win it, which is not to far from the truth, but the overall competition for placing is brilliant and always throws up battles for the winners, top four, europa spots and relegation.
@Devilsavocado: I mean isn’t that the case for most of the top leagues in Europe?
@Devilsavocado: style of football lacking still. Too many foreigners. Should see if this year was a one off in terms of Europe, Spain has pretty much ruled the roost for a decade or more on the club and international scene. Best players like Hazard still know the best gravy. Lots love the hustle n bustle of the premier league but prob know little else.
Earth to Chippy!?