Williams, Baldwin ruled out of finale

LIAM Williams and Scott Baldwin have been ruled out of Wales’ Six Nations finale against France in Paris.

Full-back Williams suffered a shoulder injury against Italy while competing for a high ball, while hooker Baldwin sustained a pec injury late on in the win in Rome.

Both players will now return to their clubs, with Ospreys hooker Sam Parry called into the squad to provide front-row cover.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is currently working with a 32-man training squad in Nice, with Williams’ absence meaning at least one change to the side that won in Rome is coming.

Leigh Halfpenny wasn’t considered for selection against Italy after making his first start for Wales in nearly two years in the previous round against England, but he would be the obvious choice to start at full-back.

However, Gatland namechecked Louis Rees-Zammit as a full-back option they had considered for Italy and the trip to Paris could be the ideal time to take a closer look at him, or Josh Adams, in the 15 jersey.

Elsewhere, uncapped Ospreys centre Keiran Williams has been released back to his club following a groin injury picked up against Benetton at the start of the month.

And despite both being fit, there’s no place for Exeter’s Christ Tshiunza or Cardiff’s Teddy Williams in the 32-man squad.

■ FORMER Wales international and Cardiff outside-half Nicky Robinson believes Warren Gatland’s side have a chance to beat France in their Super Saturday finale this weekend due to the sheer emotion from Les Bleus’ win at Twickenham.

The men in blue stunned Steve Borthwick’s English hosts with a ruthless display to win 53-10, keeping their Six Nations title defence well and truly alive.

It means Wales, who are spending the week in Nice to prepare for this Saturday’s fixture in Paris, have a daunting task on their hands, having just won their first game of the tournament against Italy in round four.

But former Wales outside-half Robinson believes Wales have a chance.

“Wales have got a chance on the fact France were so good last weekend, I’m not sure they can play as well again,” he told the Scrum V podcast.

“It’s been that high, and when your coach is as emotional as he (France’s Fabien Galthie) was, can they do that again?

“That’s where I think Wales could.

“We do have a chance.

“I’ve got a sneaky feeling there’s going to be an upset this weekend.”