Wales include injured duo in Six Nations squad

Warren Gatland has named both Leigh Halfpenny and Ross Moriarty in his Wales squad for the Six Nations despite the duo still struggling with concussion. Of the two, Moriarty stands the best chance of playing in the tournament opener against France with a targeted return against Munster next weekend. Halfpenny, however, has not played since being injured against Australia in November and remains doubtful not just for the match but possibly the entirety of the campaign.

Moriarty’s return would be most welcome with loose forwards Dan Lydiate, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, Ellis Jenkins, and Taulupe Faletau already sidelined. In their absence Justin Tipuric will be heavily relied upon for experience while youngster Aaron Wainwright’s stock continues to rise. After being overlooked by the Wales u20 selectors he made his test debut just a year later and is a now an automatic name on the Dragons teamsheet.

Alun Wyn Jones captains the side, one of seven test Lions with another five tourists. Should Halfpenny not recover in time Liam Williams and Jonah Holmes provide specialist options at fullback, with Scarlets flyhalf Rhys Patchell a less conventional alternative.

Wales have won nine consecutive test matches dating back to February 2018, including back-to-back wins over Argentine in June. The Welsh record is 11. They will be studied by World Cup opponents Uruguay who will join them in Pool D along with Australia, Georgia, and Fiji.

FORWARDS
Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Leon Brown (Dragons), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (capt., Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Thomas Young (Wasps)

BACKS
Aled Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Northampton), Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Worcester), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Steff Evans (Scarlets), George North (Ospreys), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), Jonah Holmes (Leicester), Liam Williams (Saracens)