Wales welcome Rhys Webb back into squad for England clash

Warren Gatland recalls scrumhalf who missed last year’s World Cup through injury

Wales have called Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb into their squad for their crunch Six Nations fixture against England. Photograph: Inpho
Wales have called Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb into their squad for their crunch Six Nations fixture against England. Photograph: Inpho

Wales have called scrumhalf Rhys Webb into their Six Nations squad.

Ospreys number nine Webb missed the World Cup earlier this season due to a foot injury suffered in Wales’ final tournament warm-up game against Italy last September.

He met up with the squad on Monday morning, the Welsh Rugby Union said, as preparations continued for next Saturday's Six Nations showdown against unbeaten title rivals England at Twickenham.

Webb made his comeback for the Ospreys last month, and captained them against Guinness PRO12 opponents Leinster two days ago.

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Webb, 27, was arguably Wales’ stand-out player last season, scoring five tries in eight Tests, including a touchdown against England in Cardiff.

But Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies took over from Webb with considerable success during the World Cup, claiming five tries during the tournament, and he has continued that form into the Six Nations.

And while Webb would appear to be on course for a place in Wales’ matchday 23 at Twickenham, a bench spot seems his most likely role.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who has masterminded three Twickenham victories over England since he took charge eight years ago, including last September’s World Cup pool stage triumph, is due to announce his team on Tuesday.

Changes are likely to be at a minimum following Wales’ unbeaten Six Nations start that has realised a draw in Ireland, followed by wins against Scotland and France.

Lock Luke Charteris, who missed the France game because of a knee injury, could return instead of Wasps forward Bradley Davies if fit, although Davies impressed during a 19-10 win against Les Bleus, which was Wales' fifth successive triumph in the fixture.

England, the only team with a 100 per cent record in this season’s championship, are one point above Wales with two games left.

Victory for England would keep them on course for a first Grand Slam since 2003, but a Wales win in south-west London means they would then need victory at home to tournament strugglers Italy on March 19 to secure a fourth Six Nations title of Gatland’s reign.