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Six Nations statement: Tom Curry 'Tunnelgate' incident
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There are concerns for Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar after he left the field just 10 minutes into Northamptons Saints’ thriller with Clermont in the Challenge Cup last night.
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Clermont are assured of a home quarter-final after defeating Northampton 48-40 in a 13-try thriller at Stade Marcel Michelin, where the home side changed their strip at half-time due to a colour clash.
Teimana Harrison scored a hat-trick, but Wesley Fofana and Peter Betham claimed two tries apiece as Clermont made it five wins from five to guarantee their progress from Pool 1, leaving Northampton hoping to advance as one of three best runners-up.
However, the sight of Biggar being replaced by James Grayson before limping off the pitch will not be a welcome one for Wales fans.
10| Saints with an early change…
Grayson ?? Biggar
— Northampton Saints ? (@SaintsRugby) January 12, 2019
As yet, there has been no update on his condition.
Wales are also currently without Scarlett’s pivot Rhys Patchell, and if Biggar was injured, it would potentially open up the Six Nations door for Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Priestland or even Sam Davies.
Priestland is looking for a new club for next season after Bath this week announced he’ll be leaving the West Country outfit at the end of the season.
There was however good news for Wales in the forwards. Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder expects Taulupe Faletau to be fit for Wales’ Six Nations campaign and has offered a positive injury update on England’s Jonathan Joseph.
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Faletau returned after 13 weeks out with a broken arm in Bath’s 18-16 European Rugby Champions Cup triumph over Wasps and the barnstorming back-rower was in impressive form.
Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on February 1, and Blackadder expects him to join up with Warren Gatland’s squad.
“Yes [he will be ready for the Six Nations], I think so. They know he’s a class player. He looks spot-on now,” Blackadder said.
“He’s been training as he always does. He just grows another arm and a leg when he gets out there on the field!
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“He looked great, didn’t he? Really sharp. If only we could have given him more ball.
“I have to give a big pat on the back to our strength and conditioning staff, for the work they do behind the scenes in getting the guys ready.
“Before the game, he was really, really nervous. But it’s good to see those nerves from an experienced guy like him.”