Justin Tipuric issues rallying cry to patched-up Wales squad to go out and produce a famous Six Nations win against Scotland… with George North becoming the SEVENTH key man missing for showdown at Murrayfield
- A patched-up Wales side will take on Scotland at Murrayfield in the Six Nations
- Openside flanker Justin Tipuric has urged those coming into the side to step up
- Wales have a history of performing with backs to the walls and need a repeat
- Cardiff Blues’ centre Willis Halaholo is among those who could be promoted
Justin Tipuric called on Wales to pull off another upset in the midst of an injury crisis against the fancied Scots as George North is set to be the seventh front-line name ruled out.
Sportsmail understands North, who took a bang to the face which blurred his vision against Ireland, will not play his 100th Wales Test against Scotland following scan results.
With Johnny Williams and Hallam Amos concussed, Tomos Williams out with hamstring problem, Dan Lydiate having injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee joining Jonathan Davies, ankle, and Josh Adams, banned, Wales are patched up already in the Six Nations.
Wales are heading to Murrayfield to take on Scotland in the middle of an injury crisis
Flanker Justin Tipuric has called on team-mates to band together to produce a famous upset
And Wales hope that fellow centre Nick Tompkins is fit after taking a bang to the shoulder in the same game.
Wayne Pivac is selecting on Thursday and Owen Watkin will be the next cab off the rank with Willis Halaholo, the Cardiff Blues centre, another option having been officially called up on Wednesday with James Botham and Lloyd Williams having passed Covid tests.
Wales have often performed when their backs are against the walls and will have to do so again, according to flanker Tipuric.
‘That’s one thing we’ve improved over the last couple of years, showing how good the squad is,’ said the openside flanker.
‘Every time you want to win trophies, whether it’s the Six Nations or whatever, your squad plays a massive part.
George North took a knock against Ireland and he could yet add to Wayne Pivac’s list of injuries
Cardiff Blues’ centre Willis Halaholo could be a beneficiary from the latest Welsh injury crisis
‘You always have injuries – it’s part of the game unfortunately – but it gives a chance for others to perform. They have to step up for the team to go on and win things.’
For Tipuric, a win against Scotland would be a big marker for this Welsh team a year after coming under new management.
‘Obviously they’re favourites for the game and aiming to win the Six Nations,’ Tipuric said of the Scots who beat England 11-6 at Twickenham.
‘They’re playing at home and will want to continue (their form). We know it’s going to be a tough game.’
Tipuric hailed the impact of his former Ospreys coach Steve Tandy, who now runs a miserly Scottish defence.
‘The way he’s got them defending for their lives is pretty special really,’ he said.
Scotland lifted the Calcutta Cup last weekend with a thrilling win over England at Twickenham
Tipuric (left) remains optimistic and says injuries ‘gives a chance for others to perform’
‘It’s going to be the same with us for our defence coach Gethin Jenkins. It’s going to be a feisty one and whoever is going to be the most accurate in attack is going to win the game.’
And he is set up for his own battle against Lions contenders Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson after they schooled England at the breakdown.
‘They’re absolute quality back-rowers,’ said Tipuric. ‘They play so well together whenever we play them for Edinburgh or Scotland. They work hard and hand in hand.
‘When they’re both on the field at the same time we know how tough a game it is. You know ever breakdown, every tackle and every carry is going to be a tough one.’