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Moriarty boost for Wales

29/01/2019
Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde believes Dragons back row Ross Moriarty will not 'take a backward step' after being declared fit for the Six Nations opener with France on Friday night.

Moriarty has been out of action with concussion since the European Challenge Cup clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne in France in mid-December.

However, Moriarty returns as Wales issued a positive injury update on Monday with regional team-mates Cory Hill and Elliot Dee also in contention after overcoming niggles. Leon Brown (thumb) will miss the game.

"It has been good to welcome quite a few faces back," said McBryde. "Ross doesn't need a lot of game time to get going - he always keeps himself in great shape.

"With the protocol after a head injury, it's a steady, gradual thing and, once you've been passed fit, you can crank things up. It was the same with Adam Beard.

"They've both come through so it's healthy to see them back. Ross definitely won't take a backward step. You want people like that in your team."

Wales have won six of their last seven meetings with Les Bleus and McBryde is relishing the chance to once again take on one of European rugby's real powerhouses.

"Our injury list is not as lengthy as it was last week. When we selected a larger than normal squad it was to cover for that," said the former Wales hooker.

"The last two encounters with France have been pretty close. Our focus is on making sure we start with a big performance.

"It's always a close battle and recently we have managed to get on top. It is a different French team - as it is every year - but they should have beaten South Africa in the autumn.

"They are big, physical men and they are going to be hugely passionate. They are playing their first game at home and we've got to be ready for that."

It's always a close battle and recently we have managed to get on top. It is a different French team - as it is every year - but they should have beaten South Africa in the autumn...
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