Rate it!

2 votes

Wales coach Warren Gatland is considering bringing on London Irish scrum-half Warren Fury during the Six Nations clash with Italy.

Gatland's defence coach Shaun Edwards has described Fury as "one of the toughest kids I have ever coached".

And Fury could make an unlikely Six Nations debut on Saturday after a torn hamstring ruled Dwayne Peel out of his country's remaining games against Italy and Ireland.

Fury, a former Wasps player now at London Irish, has not appeared for the Exiles since their European Challenge Cup victory over Italian club Rovigo on January 24.

But Edwards has no doubt the 23-year-old will be ready for battle if he is required off the bench in Rome on Saturday.

It would be Fury's third cap, following two appearances as a substitute against South Africa in Bloemfontein and Pretoria last summer.

"He is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached," said Edwards.

"He is very tough, physically and mentally, and he wasn't intimidated by the South Africans. He applied himself well.

"Injuries have hindered his career, but he was one of our favourite players at Wasps because of his attitude. He is a very determined lad."

While Fury can relish a possible opportunity at Stadio Flaminio, Peel must reflect on an injury that means he might not play again before Lions boss Ian McGeechan announces his squad for South Africa next month.

Peel was the Lions Test scrum-half in New Zealand four years ago, while Mike Phillips now reclaims the Wales number nine shirt he wore against France 12 days ago.

Edwards added: "This is a big blow for Dwayne, It could not have come at a worse time for him.

"The injury means Dwayne has lost his Wales position, but he is a very resilient character."

Edwards, meanwhile, has warned Wales cannot run the risk of entering "self-destruct" mode against Italy.

Wales need to win in Rome - and by a healthy margin - if they intend keeping the pressure on Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

The Irish, who arrive in Cardiff next week, currently hold a two-point lead at the Six Nations summit.

But their points difference is also superior - 23 better off - to second-placed Wales', helped by a 38-9 victory over Italy last month.

Apart from defeating Ireland in their final game, hopes of a successful Six Nations title defence for Wales also hinge on them beating the Azzurri with something to spare.

Edwards said: "What the team has got to concentrate on is the process.

"If we start going in thinking we've got to win by so many points, it is going to make us self-destruct.

"We've just got to make sure we get good lineout ball, we deliver it well to the backs and they get over the advantage line - all the basics of rugby.

"We feel if we do that - and keep our turnover rate to a minimum and kick well - we can put ourselves in a position to maybe score some tries.

"This is a massive fixture. More often than not, the championship is decided by points difference.

"The less number of points we concede is vital - we don't want to be chasing a big score against Ireland.

"Hopefully, we will have a dry ball and we can play some rugby."

Sporting Life / Eurosport