Shake-up likely as Wales in disgrace (From Western Telegraph)

Shake-up likely as Wales in disgrace

10:54am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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WALES coach Warren Gatland could take drastic action for Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Italy at the Millennium Stadium after Wales slipped to a disastrous 27-12 defeat against Ireland at Croke Park.

Now Gatland has got to act to salvage something from the wreckage of a Six Nations campaign which has seen Wales gain only one victory, and that a last- gasp effort against Scotland.

He could well start with a number of relative newcomers in a bid to freshen up a side which needs a victory over the Italians to avoid a possible wooden spoon, depending on the outcome of Scotland’s visit to Croke Park to face Ireland, who need to win to achieve back-to-back Triple Crowns.

Ospreys outside-half Dan Biggar could replace Stephen Jones, who is beginning to look pedestrian, and openside flanker Sam Warburton could take over from Cardiff Blues team-mate Martyn Williams, who led the team against Ireland but has also been below his best through the campaign.

And Newport Gwent Dragons blindside Dan Lydiate could also be involved for the first time in the Six Nations after impressing consistently in training.

Gatland is hoping to have some of his injured Lions stars back in time for the Italy game, especially with the Welsh Rugby Union having to face the possibility that the match will not sell out after Wales’ poor results plus the lack of box office appeal of the visiting Italian side.

Leading prop Gethin Jenkins could return from his calf injury to make his first start of the campaign, having gone down once with a recurrence when he attempted a return for the Blues.

And top scrum-half Mike Phillips could start as well after being a replacement against France, returning from four months with a damaged knee, only to suffer a thigh injury the week after playing for the Ospreys against Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

It is also hoped Wales captain Ryan Jones will be fit to return after a calf injury ruled him out of the Ireland match when he was unable to train the week before the game.

Lock Alun Wyn Jones won’t make it because of his elbow injury putting him out for the whole campaign, while Andy Powell remains barred from selection after he was thrown out of the squad following the notorious ‘buggygate’ incident.

“We are missing key players and it might mean other players getting a chance,” admitted a disappointed Gatland after the Ireland game.

There could be major surgery when Gatland announces his team to face Italy tomorrow.