Scarlets duo emerge as doubts for Six Nations opener

RHYS Patchell and Jake Ball are major doubts for the start of the Six Nations.

Outside-half or full-back Patchell sustained a hamstring injury during the Scarlets’ 19-12 defeat at the Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14, while lock Ball damaged a shoulder.

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac, who will succeed Warren Gatland as Wales head honcho following the World Cup next year, expects Patchell to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

It’s a huge blow for Patchell, who also missed the start of Wales’s autumn clean sweep because of concussion.

With the Wales No. 10 jersey up for grabs he is keen to put down his marker ahead of the World Cup, but seems likely to miss the Six Nations opener with France.

Gareth Anscombe appears to be in pole position for fly-half at the moment as the World Cup looms, with Dan Biggar also in the mix.

Ball, who missed the 2018 Six Nations following shoulder surgery, could be out for the same length of time as Patchell. He does not require surgery this time.

The Scarlets powerhouse had become first choice under Gatland, but during his absence has seen the likes of Cory Hill and Adam Beard emerge onto the scene as potential World Cup partners for Alun Wyn Jones.

Wales open the Six Nations against France in Paris on February 1, before heading to Italy a week after.