“Fringe players have plenty to prove”

THE INJURIES are inevitable. They always have been. And now, with the extra intensity of year-on-year attrition, long-term injuries mount. It can be a curse, especially as far as the Six Nations goes, but it’s also a blessing.

If Wales go on and win the World Cup, don’t bet a single yen against Taulupe Faletau being named Player of the Tournament. Wales were good enough to win a Six Nations without him; they’ll be infinitely better if he is up and running in time. He – like Huw Jones and Anthony Watson – are headline players whose presence could have a significant impact upon the fortunes of their country come the World Cup.

However, the vast core of selections are long done and dusted. In a squad of 31, there are few areas where national coaches will not have made up their minds. England, perhaps, with their