Sam Seeks Tougher H-Cup

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Sam Warburton has backed Anglo-French calls for changes to how Pro 12 clubs qualify for the Heineken Cup.

On Tuesday, the English and French clubs stated they would leave the tournament at the end of this season.

The clubs have plans for an Anglo-French cup and demanded only the top six sides in the Pro12 should qualify for Europe, regardless of nationality.

"I can understand from the English and French point of view," said Warburton.

"I do agree there should be a qualifying system from the Rabodirect.

"I don't think they should hand it out to each country, it should be the top six to qualify and it would make the Rabo more interesting.

"I can agree with the English and French perspective that there should be tougher qualification."

The English and French clubs gave notice last year of their intention to pull out of the two existing European competitions at the end of 2013-14.

They are unhappy with the differing ways teams qualify for the Heineken Cup and how proceeds are shared.

The English and French clubs argue their counterparts in the other four nations have an unfair advantage in Europe.

With the Pro12 having no relegation, teams can rest players for league matches to keep them fresh for Europe, while the two Scottish and two Italian clubs are guaranteed a Heineken Cup place.

The current qualification process from the Pro12 for the Heineken Cup means only Newport Gwent Dragons have failed to qualify for this season's tournament.

Wales captain Warburton hopes a peace deal can be brokered between all parties and expects to be playing in an European competition next season.

The Cardiff Blues flanker does believe, if there is no European competition, it will mean a greater focus being placed upon the Pro12.

"Hopefully, whatever happens, the Cardiff Blues will be playing in the top tier of European rugby next season," said Warburton.

"If that was the case, then at least the standard of the Rabo would be improved because there would have to be full teams.

"I have always said if all the top teams fielded their best sides in the Rabo, it would be a competitive and great league.

"So there are pros and cons and hopefully the Blues will remain in Europe somehow.

"I cannot really imagine it happening and I am sure something will be worked out - and that the regions will play European rugby and I hope that is the case."

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Gatland Gets Sam's Lions Backing

Wales captain Sam Warburton has thrown his support behind Warren Gatland to be appointed head coach of the 2013 British and Irish Lions.

It's understood Wales' double Grand Slam and RBS 6 Nations title-winning mastermind will be interviewed for the post along with Ireland boss Declan Kidney and Scotland's Andy Robinson.

But it is thought that New Zealander Gatland's appointment is viewed as a formality for the three-Test trip to Australia. It should be confirmed next month.

"I love working with him - he is a fantastic coach," Warburton said.

"If you look at his record - two Grand Slams and a World Cup semi-final - he deserves the Lions job. He gets the best out of players, and I owe a lot to him. He put his faith in me as a young player and captain."

Warburton, meanwhile, is due to see a specialist on Tuesday in an attempt to gauge the extent of a shoulder injury that forced him off during last Saturday's RBS 6 Nations title clincher against France.

It was his third different injury of this season's Six Nations following earlier thigh and knee trouble that contributed to him playing just 160 minutes from a possible 400 in the championship.

Warburton has already undergone an MRI scan, but that proved inconclusive.

"Not much showed up on it," he added. "There is a bit of concern because I am still in quite a bit of discomfort.

"I am seeing a specialist, and I will find out more then. The MRI scan did not show any soft issue damage. It may be that it is more complicated than that, such as something to do with nerves, which would not have shown up.

"I do not know what to think - it could be two weeks, or it could be two months. I hope it is shorter, rather than longer."

2012 RBS Player of Championship

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The final shortlist for the official 2012 RBS Player of the Championship has been announced, with a fans’ poll deciding the result now open on www.rbs6nations.com. 

With Wales favourite to lift the trophy on Saturday, four Wales names dominate the shortlist of 12 players with Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert and Mike Philips all receiving a nod.

Despite not being in the running for the title this year, France has three votes with Julien Malzieu, Yoann Maestri and Imanol Harinordoquy all making the shortlist. 

The two teams battling to avoid the wooden spoon have also made the list, Scotland has two nominations with David Denton and Ross Rennie and Italy captain Sergio Parisse also makes the final list. 

The most noticeable absence this year is England, who do not have any players on the shortlist. 

Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton and Donnacha Ryan will be looking to take the award back to Dublin, after it was won by their team mate Tommy Bowe in 2010 and former Ireland player Brian O’Driscoll in 2009. 

All players recognised by the relevant television host broadcaster as RBS Man of the Match during the first four weekends of the Championship were automatically placed in contention for the prestigious award. The winner will be chosen by rugby fans from across the six nations who are being asked to vote for their RBS Player of the Championship, based on performance, form and achievement. 

Fans can vote for the 2012 RBS Player of the Championship at www.rbs6nations.com and voting will remain open until midnight on Sunday 18th March. 

 Once the votes have been counted and verified, the announcement of the official RBS Player of the Championship will be published on www.rbs6nations.com on Wednesday 21st March.

Warburton Out for Wales

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Saturday's RBS Six Nations game against Italy in Cardiff.

The open-side's knee injury means Justin Tipuric starts at seven, although centre Jamie Roberts does start despite his own knee problems.

Prop Gethin Jenkins captains Wales even though former skipper Matthew Rees returns to the side, replacing Ken Owens at hooker.

Lock Luke Charteris is named on the bench after returning from injury.

The 28-year-old had been sidelined with a long-term wrist injury since the end of the 2011 World Cup.

But Charteris returned to action for Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday in their Pro12 24-14 defeat at home to Munster.

Centre Scott Williams, who scored the winning try against England last time out as Wales sealed the Triple Crown, is again among the replacements.

His Scarlets team-mate Owens also has to be content with a place on the bench thanks to the return of British and Irish Lion Rees after a calf injury, with Richard Hibbard the hooker to miss out completely.

Rees, who last played on 14 January for the Scarlets, packs down between Adam Jones and Jenkins to reform the Lions front-row that took on South Africa in 2009.

"Due to injuries to all three players at one time or another we have not been able to field this 2009 Lions front row too often," said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"So, although we are more than happy with the job Ken has done for us, we are giving Matthew the opportunity to make his contribution as the competition reaches its climax.

"We are back at the Millennium Stadium in front of our home fans and we need to refocus sharply, after our Triple Crown triumph at Twickenham, if we are to give ourselves the best chance of being in contention for the Championship going into that final weekend against France.

"Italy will be hoping to find us complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted by this Wales team or satisfy the nation behind us.

"All of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent."

Utility back James Hook has recovered from his bout of chicken pox, playing in Perpignan's 22-17 defeat by Agen at the weekend, and is also held in reserve, meaning fly-half Stephen Jones drops out of the match 22 completely.

Victory at the Millennium Stadium against the Azzurri will keep Gatland's side on course for a third Grand Slam in eight years, with France the final hurdle to face in Cardiff on 17 March.

Wales are unbeaten against Italy at the Millennium Stadium and only Gatland's men can now win a Grand Slam this year after Ireland ended France's 100% Six Nations record by holding them to a 17-17 draw in Paris.

Italy have beaten Wales in Rome, in 2003 and 2007 , and also held the Welsh in Cardiff in 2006.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), George North (Scarlets); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Michael Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Blues, capt), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Warburton Out for Wales

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been forced to withdraw from Wales' Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff.

The Cardiff Blues open-side had been troubled by a dead leg sustained in last week's win in Ireland.

Warburton had been named to start but withdrew just before kick-off on Sunday, so Aaron Shingler takes his place in the starting XV on debut.

Ryan Jones, who wins his 60th cap, will captain Wales and moves to lock with Bradley Davies banned.

Dan Lydiate returns to the back-row following an ankle injury and prop Gethin Jenkins returns from a knee injury to take over from Rhys Gill.

James Hook is again on the bench as Alex Cuthbert has recovered from the head knock suffered in their dramatic opening 23-21 win in Ireland.

Warburton's late withdrawal is a headache for coach Warren Gatland as his reserve open-side Justin Tipuric has also been an injury doubt, so Scarlet Shingler comes straight into the side.

Tipuric replaced Cardiff Blue Warburton in Dublin, but sustained an ankle injury and was not even fit enough to make the bench for Scotland's visit to Cardiff.

Lydiate has played at open-side and after Warburton was banned for a tip-tackle in Wales' World Cup semi-final defeat by France, Toby Faletau took over for the bronze-medal loss to Australia.

Scarlets lock Lou Reed could make his Test debut off the bench amid the reshuffle caused by Blues' lock Davies' seven-week ban for his tip-tackle on Donncha Ryan at the Aviva Stadium.

In the longer term, Wales and British and Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones(toe) returned to action off the bench in the Ospreys' 15-14 Pro12 win at Edinburgh on Friday.

With Luke Charteris (wrist) out of Six Nations contention, Jones' recovery should be a timely boost for Gatland.

Loose-head prop Jenkins' return and Paul James' ability to cover both sides of the scrum off the bench means Gill drops out altogether.

There is still no place in the match squad for Gavin Henson, who played for Cardiff Blues in the LV Cup against Harlequins last weekend.

Gatland said: "Gethin brings a wealth of experience to the team, which is the main reason we have brought him in for Rhys, who is unlucky to miss out with Paul James covering both sides of the scrum from the bench.

"Dan's return from injury is timely and Ryan's versatility allows us to cover for Bradley with minimum disruption, with Lou Reed also giving us an extra option from the bench.

"We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland.

"The amount of possession and territory they had against England last weekend meant that they should have won the game and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge."

Wales backs coach Rob Howley said: "The standards we set in Dublin where high and we want to attain that level throughout the Six Nations.

"We are playing particularly well at the moment, and it was a pleasing performance from the backs, we were accurate and took our opportunities well.

"The Six Nations is a magical championship and the one thing we all know is that if you don't front up in a Six Nations game you can get beaten.

"Scotland should have beaten England at the weekend, they will be obviously disappointed and they will want to go one better, which would obviously mean winning the game, so we must be ready for them."

Wales coach Warren Gatland is still without Matthew Rees (calf) and the British and Irish Lions hooker expects to be available for Wales' visit to Twickenham to face England on 25 February.

Cuthbert was replaced at half-time in Dublin after suffering a blow to the head on his first full start.

Wales Expects Explains Sam

Sam Warburton admits Wales' fans will be expecting big things of the national team in this year's Six Nations Championship.

Wales face Ireland in their opening game on 5 February after finishing fourth at last year's World Cup.

But Warburton is confident Wales will be able to deal with the pressure placed upon them by an expectant public.

"I think they're expecting pretty big things from us," he said.

"I was walking past the Millennium Stadium the other day and noticed the French game was sold out.

"That's the last game of the tournament so to me that means people are anticipating that could be a Championship game.

"I think that's the expectation from the fans and we expect that as well and we'll put that pressure among ourselves."

Warburton, who was appointed captain for last autumn's World Cup, believes Wales will draw on their experience in New Zealand during the Six Nations.

Wales' preparations for that competition included two separate training camps in Poland last summer and they have returned to the country for a pre-Six Nations camp.

"As a group of players at the World Cup we were pretty good at staying away from the hype outside our training camp and ignoring what's going on the papers and what the press say," said the Cardiff Blues player.

"I think we did a good job of that in the World Cup. We managed to focus on the performance.

"I'm sure it will be the same thing this campaign as well and that will be our main priority.

"It's my third campaign now and I haven't had a Championship [title] win.

"I've spoken to senior players who have been involved in Grand Slams and Championship and they say it's fantastic. I'd love to experience that.

"If I'd put money on who was going to win it as a neutral I think it would be quite difficult to say.

"It's wide open which is why it makes it a great tournament this year. There's a lot of teams on a level playing field. I feel It will be an exciting one to watch for the public I'm sure."

Warburton says a good start against Ireland is essential as Wales seek their first Championship title since Warren Gatland's first campaign in charge in 2008.

Gatland's side have beaten Ireland in their previous two meetings but Warburton is well aware Wales lost the last time they travelled to Dublin in 2010.

"We remember we went out there two years ago and they beat us very well," said Warburton. "We were very disappointed with that.

"It's a massive game for us because if we could get a result out there it tees us up for four remaining games, three of which are at home.

"That's why a lot rides on that first game against Ireland. They've enjoyed playing against us as much as we've enjoyed playing against them.

"I know Dan [Lydiate] and Toby [Faletau] as well as myself think very highly of the Irish back-row.

"All of them as a unit and individuals are great players and are up there with the best in the world. It's a very tasty battle with the back-rows and it's one I'm really looking forward to."

A notable absentee from the Welsh squad for this season's Championship is wing Shane Williams, who bowed out of international rugby last December.

Although acknowledging Wales will miss the Ospreys player, Warburton says Wales have capable players to take his place.

"Of course I'd love it if Shane would have one more Six Nations," said Warburton.

"But everyone respects his decision to retire and you've got to call it a day some time otherwise you go on forever. [They're] massive boots to fill.

"But I think George [North] has done a job on the left wing a few times for us before and done very well.

"And we've got some good cover on the back three. Lee Byrne has been playing very well in France, Leigh Halfpenny's been exceptional for the Blues.

"So I think we're in quite a good situation when it comes to the backline. We've got some strength in depth there."