Injury concerns for Hansen to ponder
February 2, 2003

Wales coach Steve Hansen fcaes a deepening injury crisis as he prepares to name his Six Nations squad on Monday.

The latest name to join thelist of casualties was Neath hooker Barry Williams who broke his jaw in the Welsh club's Celtic League Final defeat at the hands of Munster yesterday.

Wales' first choice hooker Robin McBryde has been rule dout of the Six Nations Championship after undergoing surgery on his injured foot.

Pontypridd's Mefin Davies looks certain step into the No.2 shirt and either Andrew Lewis or maybe veteran Jonathan Humphreys may act as back-up.

Wales team manager Alan Phillips stressed the demands on international players has become a burning issue.

"It is already a concern for us," admitted Phillips.

"We have picked up serious injuries to Neil Jenkins, Andy Marinos and Sonny Parker.

"And now Robin McBryde has had a foot operation and will be out of action for probably 10 weeks.

"That's four senior players with a lot of experience out of contention.

"We know we don't have a big pool of players, but it is getting bigger, so it is important we get this right."

"No disrespect to the clubs but we need the best preparation we can get to get off to a good start in the Six Nations.

"After that we have England and there is no doubt some of the players have played a lot of rugby.

"Italy are going to be tough. It is the first game and they will see us as a good scalp.

"We know they are training hard and are ready to put everything they have into the opening game."

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