Gatland blasts Saracens over Williams injury

WARREN GATLAND is blaming Saracens for possibly costing Wales the services of full back Liam Williams for the Six Nations. The head coach believes his side will finish as champions but was scathing in his criticism of the way Saracens have handled the abdominal problem Williams first suffered in November. ‘He should have had an operation six weeks ago,’ said Gatland. Williams was back in club action against Ospreys two weeks ago but he is still sore. Gatland added: ‘He might need surgery and miss the Six Nations. He’s not definitely out against Scotland (on February 3), but it’s likely.’ Gatland said fly-half Dan Biggar will miss the first three matches, against Scotland, England and Ireland with a shoulder injury, meaning Wales are now without seven front-line players. Wing George North plays for Northampton against Sale on Saturday to prove his fitness while back-row Ross Moriarty may play for Gloucester against Ospreys tomorrow.