Wales hopeful over skipper

Wales are hopeful their captain Jonathan Humphreys will be fit for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Hooker Humphreys went off with a shoulder problem during his club Bath’s Zurich Premiership victory over Saracens on Saturday.

But the 34-year-old, who was recalled to international duty when Wales tackled England earlier this month, is hopeful of featuring in Edinburgh.

“Jonathan has a sore shoulder, and he will have a scan this morning, but he thinks that he will be all right,” said Wales coach Steve Hansen.

Humphreys is set to continue as skipper against Scotland, so effective was he in spearheading a vastly improved Welsh performance following their dismal tournament opener in Italy.

Hansen has welcomed back Llanelli fly-half Stephen Jones into the squad after he missed the opening two Six Nations games because of a broken thumb.

Jones, a proven international goal-kicker and playmaker, could well return to the starting XV, although he faces competition from both Ceri Sweeney and Iestyn Harris.

“Stephen Jones is fine. He has made himself available, and it is a healthy selection problem for us. It gives us more choices,” added Hansen.

Wing Rhys Williams has also delivered a positive fitness bulletin after he suffered a knee injury during the England encounter.

The Cardiff star has yet to resume contact training, but he anticipates being fully involved with his squad colleagues either tomorrow or Wednesday.

Hansen is set to name his team on Thursday morning, knowing that Wales must win at Murrayfield, otherwise a possible championship whitewash beckons.

After Scotland, Wales take on a resurgent Irish side, and then wind up their championship campaign against France in Paris.

Scotland, meanwhile, who have yet to score a try in this season’s tournament, still have Italy to play.