Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales lock Andrew Coombs could feature at blindside flanker for Wales in place of Ryan Jones.
Wales captain Jones was ruled out of this weekend's clash with England on Tuesday, with many expecting interim head coach Rob Howley to opt for a combination of Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton at flanker.
However, Wales forwards coach Robyn McBryde has revealed that Coombs, who impressed earlier in the tournament before losing his place to the returning Alun Wyn Jones, could be used on the blindside.
"Andrew has played a lot of his rugby at six, even though he has been in the second row more recently," said McBryde to the Western Telegraph.
"He has shown at international level that he can be effective with ball in hand.
"He has great footwork, good offloading and he is very accurate at the breakdown in both attack and defence.
"He has that physicality about him as well, so he could well be an option for us at six."
Comments
ArmchairGeneral says...
When Lydiate and Jones are back... Lots to choose from. For now it will be Tuperic
Posted 21:24 13th March 2013
Expattrussy says...
Coombs for me was the breakthrough player of the first couple of rounds, so I was surprised to see him benched by Howley (and that's coming from an Englishman). Quality player, but agree with other posts that he might lack that extra yard of pace for an international back row - let him carry ball from the second row......
Posted 17:26 13th March 2013
melkdave says...
I have to say ,i do like Coombs he came in gelled quickly with Evans ,and has made an effective line out,and his good in the loose.That said however,id prefer him to start on the bench truth be told,where he can cover lock,and provide another option in the backrow if needed,without sacrifacing the specialist backrow spot on the bench,which can be a specialist 8 ,who also offers a lineout option..Just my idel thoughts on the subject lol.
Posted 11:58 13th March 2013
sirtidychris says...
Yes please use coombs at 6, lawes showed that if your not playing 6 week in and out at the highest level you will get caught out on the international stage, especially missing that yard or pace in fringe defense, yes coombs and lawes can play 6 but not against the best. Keep tipuric on the bench please and let youngs enjoy some space to play with!!
Posted 11:05 13th March 2013
daibok says...
Big mistake. Look at Lawes for England. Good, solid second row who was out of his depth as a test 6. Think again, Howley.
Posted 09:33 13th March 2013
Sidjames84 says...
I love being a fan of Welsh rugby when quality players like Andrew Coombs and Justin Tipuric aren't just a guarantee in the side. Great depth of talent in this squad - it's a shame Howley can't pick a decent back row to match the quality of the pack. Stop persisting with Roberts at 12 and throw Scott Williams in and try Hook at 10 (despite Biggar being the form in Wales). Rant over - C'Mon Wales!! Wales by 11 points on Saturday
Posted 08:22 13th March 2013