Squad In Crisis

Squad In Crisis
By Andrew Collins
January 4 2007

Dai Young faces a major crisis in his squad following fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturdays clash with The Borders.

John Yapp is the latest long term injury, the Welsh prop facing the rest of the season out after injuring his knee in the bonus point win over the Llanelli Scarlets.

James Goode, who has been impressive lately in Sidoli's abscence, is side lined for between five and eight weeks after fracturing his ankle in the same match.

More bad news is that other lock in great form, Bradley Davies, looks out for around a month with a less serious ankle injury.

Martyn Williams will sit out his final match of a suspension for heat-butting the Osprey's Jason Spice.

Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips face late fitness tests over a finger and wrist injury respectively.

Good news however is that Tom Shanklin has been training this week, following a short spell out, Robert Sidoli is preparing himself for an early February return, while Robin Sowden-Taylor who suffered a horrific break and dislocation of his ankle against the Ospreys last September is aiming for a 26th January return date. Mark Lewis should be available around February.

Rhys Williams and Andy Powell are out until March, Tom Reiley is out for the remainder of the season.

To combat the massive list, Dai Young has called up James Downes and Adam Powell from Cardiff RFC, plus props Scott Roberts and Rhys Gill are also training with the squad.