Moriarty fit for Wales opener
INJURY UPDATE: Wales back row forward Ross Moriarty is available for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Ireland after proving his match fitness, assistant coach Stephen Jones said.
The Dragons player underwent shoulder surgery after suffering an injury during Wales’s Autumn Nations Series defeat to New Zealand in October.
He returned for his region against United Rugby Championship opponents Benetton last Friday, playing more than an hour and scoring a try in a 13-13 draw.
“It was brilliant that Ross got some game time,” Jones said on Tuesday. “He went back to his region and went well. He is healthy, he came through some game time and he is available for selection. That’s great for us.”
Moriarty, 27, will win his 50th cap if selected.
Cardiff centre Uilisi ‘Willis’ Halaholo is also on course to be available.
Jones said: “Willis picked up a little strain or something with his hamstring. Thankfully, he’s ticking all the boxes and it looks like he will be available for selection.
“That’s great because we know Willis, with ball in hand, causes teams a lot of problems.”
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is due to name his team on Thursday for the match in Dublin as he prepares for the Welsh Six Nations title defence.
