There is a competition for Owen Watkin’s fitness before the Six Nations begin.
The center, who has 36 caps, had surgery on the knee he hurt in the Wales-Georgia Test in November and hasn’t played since. He is having trouble preparing to play in Wales’ championship opener against Ireland on February 4. Toby Booth, the head coach of the Ospreys, stated, “He is not training yet.” He has been cleaned up a little, so hopefully he won’t be out for too long.
Booth responded directly when asked if he thought Watkin would play in the current set of regional games: That cannot be answered. It will be uncertain, I have no idea.
Although George North won’t play in the United Rugby Championship match against Leinster on Saturday in Swansea, Booth said he was getting “closer” to playing again after his facial injury.
Sam Parry, a fellow Wales international, will miss the Leinster match due to a shoulder injury. Dan Lydiate, on the other hand, is expected to return in February as he recovers from the broken arm he sustained while playing against Argentina in the autumn Tests.
Booth added, “He should be back in February,” and that he would be happy to see the hard-hitting flanker back. I really enjoy it. It is unfortunate that he has been injured twice while playing for Wales, which has been extremely challenging. He has been doing what Dan Lydiate does: playing well, at least defensively, and having an impact on games. It really comes at a terrible time for him.
Bernard Jackman, a former hooker for Ireland, is of the opinion that Warren Gatland’s return has made the Six Nations matchup between Wales and Ireland “dangerous.”
When the world’s top-ranked team visits the Principality Stadium on February 4 for the tournament’s curtain-raiser, Gatland’s first game in charge will be against them.
Jackman, who played for Ireland nine times, thinks that the Irish will face a very different challenge with the Kiwi returning.
If Ireland loses that first game, they will lose the Grand Slam, and it will be difficult to gain momentum.”
Jackman also said that Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is “quite confident” he will be able to play in the first game in four weeks after going through a “procedure” for a cheekbone injury he got while playing for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.
After speaking with the 37-year-old flyhalf the day after his operation, Jackman stated, “Sexton is quite confident he is going to be back for the first round.”
Jackman continued, “He didn’t have to get wired – it was a simpler procedure than we all feared.” He should be back for Ireland’s first game against Wales in four weeks, which will be a huge boost; he is thrilled.
“Sexton plays if he’s healthy. Then, give someone else a chance and see how the tournament goes. I believe Ireland wants to win the Six Nations, and if Sexton plays, we have the best chance of winning.”
Australia assistant coach resigns Eight months out from the World Cup, Scott Wisemantel has resigned from his position as assistant coach for Australia. The resignation takes effect immediately.
Dave Rennie will be looking for a new assistant because he is leaving to focus on his family and business interests outside of rugby. Wisemantel mostly coached the attack.
He began his association with the Wallabies in 2004 and returned to the organization in 2020. He has also collaborated with England, Japan, and Samoa.
Wisemantel stated, “While this has been a very difficult decision, it is one that is one that is best for me and my family at this point in time.” The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and requires total dedication, which I unfortunately cannot provide at this time. I’ve enjoyed working with Dave [Rennie]’s team and wish them the best for the upcoming season and World Cup.
By recovering from an injury on Sunday, Kyle Sinckler could give Steve Borthwick, the new England coach, a boost before the Six Nations.
The Bristol prop has not played since suffering a groin injury six weeks ago during England’s final Autumn Nations Series match against South Africa. However, Bristol rugby director Pat Lam has provided an encouraging fitness report, and Sinckler is on track to play in the Gallagher Premiership match with London Irish this weekend.
Borthwick’s first game in charge since replacing Eddie Jones is England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on February 4.
Lam stated that Sinckler and England got together this week at a gathering. Sinckler ought to be accessible this weekend. Since the autumn internationals, he has not played, and rugby players dislike being out for a long time. Rugby is not something they enjoy.”