Scott floored by injury jinx
SCOTT BALDWIN has become the latest player to suffer Wales’ Six Nations injury curse after being ruled out for five months with a foot problem suffered in training.
Hooker Baldwin, who missed a large chunk of action earlier this season after being bitten by a lion in South Africa, will require surgery and has been replaced in Warren Gatland’s squad by Ryan Elias.
The Wales head coach is already without eight Lions for tomorrow’s opener with Scotland. Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies, George North and Liam Williams are all on the sidelines.
Baldwin’s absence does not change Wales’ matchday 23 to face Scotland, when Ken Owens will start with Elliot Dee as back-up.
With injuries mounting up, Gatland has named 10 Scarlets in his starting XV to face Scotland, which will be played under a closed roof after a Scots about-face.
Scotland first told Wales they wanted the Principality Stadium roof open, on the understanding they could change their decision later in the week. Wales initially rejected that suggestion, but it is understood Scotland then changed their minds, asking for the roof to be shut.
Under Six Nations rules both teams have to agree on whether the roof should be open or closed.
Scotland’s change of heart could perhaps be explained by the wet weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon.
Gatland said: “It’s our stadium and we should decide whether the roof is open or closed.
“We have always been consistent about saying we feel it should be closed.”