Wales injury problems point to a tight clash with England
Published:Wales head into their Six Nations clash with England as favourites at 4/6 – but continuing injury worries are giving Warren Gatland cause for concern.
Hookers Huw Bennett and former captain Matthew Rees are struggling with injuries, while winger and star performer George North has also missed training due to an ankle injury.
They join Ryan Jones (dead leg), Rhys Priestland (calf) and Justin Tipuric (ankle) on the injured list although Jones has started running and is expected to train fully on Monday.
There is some good news for Gatland though as lock Luke Charteris and fellow forward Alun Wyn Jones both look likely to play some part in the championship.
The England clash looks a little too soon for them though, but Wales will still be confident of picking up a win at Twickenham.
Despite both England and Wales winning their opening two games, the mood surrounding both teams couldn’t be more different.
Wales were fluid and mobile in excellent wins against Ireland and Scotland while England laboured to wins against Scotland and Italy.
England have shown nothing going forward so far and backing Wales – who have continued to build on their good work from the World Cup in New Zealand – still looks like the bet to take on.
However, with Wales’ injury problems and their less than impressive record at Twickenham, it should still be a close encounter and a punt on Wales to triumph by 1-5 points at 4/1 looks well worth consideration.
