Wales get unexpected Davies boost

Gareth Davies has handed Wales a huge injury boost after being passed fit for Friday’s Six Nations opener against France.

Scrum-half Davies had been expected to miss the clash at the Stade de France after suffering a quad injury during the Scarlets’ European Champions Cup clash with Racing 92 earlier this month.

Last week coach Warren Gatland said Davies was “unlikely” to face Les Bleus but he has made a swift recovery and is available for selection in Paris.

Davies is not the only player back in contention, with Dan Biggar, Ross Moriarty, Adam Beard, Cory Hill, Liam Williams, Josh Adams, Tomas Francis and Elliot Dee also available.

“It [the injury list] is not as lengthy as last week,” Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde told a media conference. “It’s been good to welcome back a few faces.

“We wouldn’t have chosen to test the depth this soon, but it’s great for those boys to have another opportunity, and it’s off the back of a successful autumn campaign. It’s got to give us confidence moving forward.”

??????? @WelshRugbyUnion kick off the 2019 #GuinnessSixNations in the first match of the Championship in Paris!

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— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 27, 2019

The return of Moriarty was also a big plus for McBryde, who added: “We have taken a few knocks in the back row, but to have someone of Ross’ standing is great.

“He’s dynamic, he is still developing as a young player. He is good to have. He never takes a step back, so to have someone of Ross’ ability is massive.”

The positive news means only Leigh Halfpenny (concussion), Scott Williams (ankle), Rhys Patchell (hamstring) and Leon Brown (broken thumb) will miss the trip to the French capital.