Wales are set to give Exeter Chiefs captain Dafydd Jenkins a first Test start when they travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland in the second round of the Six Nations on Saturday.
And Jenkins’ Sandy Park teammate Christ Tshiunza is also being considered for a place in the starting XV, with fitness allowed after injury.
Changes are being considered as Warren Gatland tries to rebuild the Welsh package after their 34-10 thrashing of Ireland in the first round.
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And those aren’t the only changes the coach thought of after the tournament’s disappointing opening.
With Tshiunza potentially able to replace the six, there is an opportunity to change the shape of the entire Welsh back line.
Tommy Reffel is looking for the number 7 shirt in place of Justin Tipuric, while Jack Morgan can move from the blind spot to number 8 ahead of Taulupe Faletau, who took three penalties against Ireland.
Vin Jones could also retire in the ring.
Gatland is believed to be able to keep the faith with a backline that started in the first innings.
But it will be a different story ahead, with 20-year-old Jenkins potentially joining Adam Bird on the second row, replacing Alan Wyn Jones. When the 6-foot-1 and 18.5-pound forward took to the field against Ireland, he had six assists in 19 minutes, hitting 35 yards for his side.
Many felt that the Wales starting line-up were short of carriers last weekend, so bringing in Tshiunza could help in the back row. The fitness of each player is unknown, but a Wales team without Faletau would be a shock.
The team should be officially announced on Thursday.
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Source: Wales Online
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