More Injuries

By Andrew Collins
February 5 2006

Wales have been dealt another injury blow following the crushing defeat against England on Saturday. Gareth Delve, Adam Jones and Gareth Cooper are the latest casualties in the ravanged squad.

Hot prospect Delve pulled out during the warm-up, pulling his hamstring a matter of minutes before the kick off. He's expected to miss the Scotland game on Sunday but is hopeful to play some part in the rest of the tournement. Should needs be, Robin Sowden-Taylor and Andy Powell are faveourites to be called up.

Prop Adam Jones limped off in the 47-13 loss, and is now reciving treatment for a leg haematoma. That would see the Osprey miss Scotland and Ireland, though its possible he may not be fit until Italy, depending on how he recovers. Saracens prop Ben Broster has been called up, though Gethin Jenkins is Jones' obvious replacement.

Finally, Gareth Cooper dislocated his shoulder after a collision with Mike Tindall at a ruck and will play no further part in this years capaign. Mike Phillips will become the 2nd place scrum half, but Bath's Andy Williams has been invited to join the squad for cover.

It's more bad news for a side that are already low on confidence and generally player numbers. With buoyant Scotland visiting on Sunday, Mike Ruddock will have a busy week and will be keen not to lose any more of his squad.