Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde expects back-row changes

Wales assistant coach and forwards specialist Robin McBryde admits their back-row could change game-by-game in the Six Nations depending on the opposition they face.

The opening two games of Wales' campaign saw them start with specialist open-side flankers Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric alongside No 8 Taulupe Faletau.

Their fellow British and Irish Lions Test player Dan Lydiate appeared as a replacement during the 16-16 draw against Ireland in Dublin and the victory over Scotland earlier this month.

Lydiate may now have done enough to secure a starting place when Wales take on France in Cardiff in an evening game on Friday, February 26 and McBryde admits Wales boss Warren Gatland faces a selection headache ahead of the game with Les Bleus.

"Everybody is well aware, and it has been heavily-documented about the make-up of the back-row, the issue is going to be raised," said McBryde.

"That is not going to go away. We are happy with the way things have gone, and happy with the impacts of the replacements have given to a man when they have gone on. You could say that's been the difference in the two games.

You need healthy competition, but also the ability to learn from each other. There is a genuine feeling that we are all in it for the team, and that comes before the individual.

"It's horses and courses, and different teams will play different styles.

"It's a case of measuring where we think we have to pick the best players for those games, and those decisions will be made based on the form of those players and the opposition.

"It is a great position to be in, and the healthy part is all the back-row are working together at the end of a training session. You see the whole back-row working together on extra skills such as handling or contact work.

"You need healthy competition, but also the ability to learn from each other. There is a genuine feeling that we are all in it for the team, and that comes before the individual."

Wales have released 13 players back to their regions for PRO12 action this weekend, while lock Luke Charteris and centre Jonathan Davies are with their French clubs, Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne, respectively.

Charteris will miss Racing's Top 14 appointment with Grenoble, however, because of what is understood to be knee bruising, and McBryde added: "Our medical team have been in regular contact with the medical team over at Racing.

"He will be reassessed when he comes back into us on Sunday. The 13 players released back to the regions, they will come back to us on Sunday.

One player Wales will tap into ahead of the French clash is full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

Toulon star Halfpenny is currently with the squad, continuing his rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered last September that ruled him out of World Cup contention.

"He is good to have in the environment. He's very honest, very humble," McBryde said. "The knowledge he can share among the squad with regards to the French mindset, that's invaluable.

"It's invaluable to how they perceive us over in France and what the challenges they think we have got and what we possess. In fairness to Leigh, he's with us sharing that knowledge. It's great to see him taking great strides in his rehab."