Powell ruled out of Ireland clash

Wales have been dealt a late injury blow as number eight Andy Powell is ruled out of today’s RBS 6 Nations title decider against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff Blues forward Powell has failed to recover from a thigh muscle injury he suffered during training yesterday.

His withdrawal means that Wales head coach has called up Scarlets’ Dafydd Jones.

Jones will line up as blindside flanker, with captain Ryan Jones moving to number eight and Jonathan Thomas drafted on to the bench.

Powell was a star performer during Wales’ autumn test campaign, highlighted by an outstanding debut against world champions South Africa.

But he has struggled to reproduced his form of the November series, and some will argue that he was fortunate to retain his place for the 6 Nations title showdown.