Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, February 9.
Gatland poised for change as fans want shake-up
WalesOnline readers are hoping Warren Gatland names a radical new-look team today.
Thousands of fans have been selecting the starting XV they want to take the field, with the headline acts seeing the likes of Justin Tipuric, Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Biggar dropped from the side that lost to Ireland.
Rhys Webb and Owen Williams are the half-backs who received the most votes, while Tommy Reffell was a clear choice at openside flanker ahead of Tipuric, and Dafydd Jenkins was preferred to second-row Jones.
Another desired change in the pack would see Dillon Lewis start ahead of Tomas Francis at tighthead.
Gatland names his team this lunchtime, with 20-year-old Jenkins set to get the nod at lock. Gatland is also considering starting Reffell at openside, Christ Tshiunza at blindside and moving Jac Morgan to number eight. If Gatland were to leave out Tipuric, Faletau and Jones it would arguably mark a significant moment in the evolution of the Wales team. You can read more about that here.
Readers' Wales team: Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Owen Williams, Rhys Webb; Gareth Thomas, Ken Owens, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau.
England stalwart's future in doubt after axe
Ben Youngs faces an uncertain Test future after he was dropped for England's Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday. England's most-capped men's player made a disappointing contribution off the bench in the 29-23 defeat by Scotland which launched Steve Borthwick's reign and will play no part against the Azzurri.
It is the first time he has been dropped for a Six Nations match since 2014 and it places a question mark over the 33-year-old involvement's in the World Cup later this year.
Alex Mitchell has been included in a reduced 29-man squad that will step up preparations for resurgent Italy's visit to Twickenham in round two, providing support to first choice scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet.
Defence coach Kevin Sinfield insists that Youngs remains in England's plans even if he will not be winning a 123rd cap this weekend, as do Ben Curry and Anthony Watson who have also been jettisoned.
"Just because a player has left camp to go home doesn't mean they're been discarded," Sinfield said. "They're a massive part of what we're trying to do and they've been outstanding in training. It's just a side that we've picked based on the opposition and one that we think will give us the best chance of winning."
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Sexton to face France for first time in years
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is eagerly anticipating facing France for the first time in three years after declaring himself fit for Saturday's "huge" Guinness Six Nations showdown. The fly-half has undergone a head injury assessment (HIA) and overcome a dead leg suffered in the round-one win over Wales and hopes to avoid further late fitness "hiccups" ahead of a potential championship title decider in Dublin.
Reigning Grand Slam champions France are the only major nation yet to suffer defeat against Andy Farrell's Ireland, with Sexton a late withdrawal ahead of the previous two meetings due to injury issues. The 37-year-old's most recent outing against Les Bleus was a frustrating 35-27 defeat in Paris at the end of the prolonged 2020 tournament when he hit the headlines for his angry reaction to being substituted.
"I was saying this morning, the last two Wednesdays before France over the last two fixtures I've ended up pulling out, so to get through today is great," said Sexton. "I can look forward to the game, hopefully no more hiccups. Obviously the confusion around the HIA and stuff like that, there's nothing I can control about that, but I'll be ready to go for 80 this week if needed.
"It feels like a huge game. There's no point in saying anything otherwise. You can't just come in here and say 'it's just another game' because it's not, it's one we've waited a long time for and I've read that they want this test - to come to the Aviva and try and overturn us. It's a huge game."
Read more:
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The last-minute calls Warren Gatland is weighing up as he ponders toughest selection as Wales boss
Sam Warburton names the 'insanely powerful' Wales pack Gatland will pick next year
