Six Nations: Jones a Welsh fitness worry

Wales full-back Stephen Jones is battling to be fit for Saturday’s Six Nations Championship clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Jones missed training today because of a muscle spasm in his lower back, putting Cardiff’s Rhys Williams on stand-by.

Williams, who was dropped for the Millennium Stadium mauling by England 11 days ago, is due to play for Wales A against their Scottish counterparts on Friday night.

And while Wales coach Graham Henry believes Jones will be fit, a final decision is expected after the squad arrive in Edinburgh tomorrow afternoon.

‘‘Stephen didn’t train today as a precaution but I am expecting him to play,’’ said Henry.

Jones, fly-half for his club Llanelli, endured a baptism of fire after Henry switched him to full-back against England.

It was Jones’ first Test start in that position and Matt Dawson exposed his inexperience when he exploited a one-on-one situation to sidestep clear and claim an England try.

Williams featured during all three of Wales’ autumn internationals but suffered a post-Christmas loss of form and confidence.

That was underlined when Cardiff crashed out of Heineken Cup contention at Gloucester last month, the 20-year-old having a torrid time under the high ball.

But Henry, who called Williams up for today’s training session, said: ‘‘I would have no qualms about putting Rhys in.

‘‘He has got the potential to be a top player and maybe this is the trigger he needs.’’

If Williams is required for Murrayfield then the likely Wales A reshuffle will see centre Adrian Durston moving to full-back and Saracens’ Tom Shanklin recalled alongside Jamie Robinson in midfield.

Despite England racking up a record 44 points in Cardiff, Henry says Wales have prepared well for the Scotland game as they seek only a second Murrayfield success since 1989.

‘‘The players’ spirit amazes me really. They are very much together and the mood is good,’’ he said.

‘‘I believe the selection for this game has been sensible and logical. We’ve covered a lot of work this week in preparation for another huge Test match.’’

Skipper David Young added: ‘‘We need to play the game a bit smarter than we did against England.

‘‘If we can improve on our weaknesses from the England game then we can get a result at Murrayfield.

‘‘Everyone has pulled together and we want to show that we are a much better team than people are giving us credit for.’’