Injury-hit Welsh face ‘a big ask’

SHAUN EDWARDS accepts that Wales face “a big ask” defensively when try-hungry Ireland arrive at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Only title favourites England have scored more tries than Ireland in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship and Wales defence specialist Edwards believes Ireland will continue with their expansive approach as they look to maintain a remarkable record in Cardiff that shows just one defeat since 1983.

He said: “Ireland were red-hot in the first-half against Scotland, and they also scored three tries against France, which was an exceptional effort. While they struggled a bit with their handling in Italy, they still created a number of chances. They are playing expansive rugby and scoring tries.

“It will be a big ask for us defensively, but we feel we are up to the challenge. I am very happy with the way our defence has gone in the last couple of games.”

Coach Warren Gatland will name his team on Thursday and already, their squad shows an alarming number of injuries.

Captain Matthew Rees and James Hook are among the players Wales say have been “managing issues around training.” while experienced hooker Huw Bennett has been called into the squad as cover for Richard Hibbard (shoulder), while starting hooker Rees has a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, Hook and number eight Ryan Jones both have calf muscle problems, with wing Morgan Stoddart (shoulder) and back-row forward Jonathan Thomas (dead leg) also being monitored.