Mather and Cross deliver injury boost for Scotland

Scotland's head coach Matt Williams has received some welcome news concerning his forwards ahead of his side's Six Nations' match with Italy on Saturday. The flankers Cameron Mather and Simon Cross are both expected to return from injury for the game in Rome.

Glasgow Warriors' Mather was forced to withdraw from the defeat by England last weekend with an ankle problem while Edinburgh Gunners' player Cross suffered an eye injury in the Celtic League win over Leinster on Friday. But the Scotland team doctor, James Robson, is confident both men will be available for selection against Italy.

He said: "Simon Cross is recovering nicely. I don't expect him to miss any training. Cammie is still making a recovery. He commenced running on Saturday and we're continuing to treat him and monitor his progress."

Wales, however, have suffered a injury blow ahead of their Six Nations encounter with France at the Millennium Stadium next Sunday.

The Welsh camp are in danger of losing the tighthead prop Adam Jones after he injured his left ankle in the Neath-Swansea Osprey's 18-15 Celtic League win against Munster in Cork.

"Adam is definitely a doubt for the weekend," confirmed Ospreys assistant coach Sean Holley.

"He limped off just 10 minutes into the game. He went off to hospital in Cork for an x-ray, but nothing has been broken.

"I expect he will now go and see the Wales physio Mark Davies to see what the extent of the problem is."

But it is unlikely he will recover in time to win what would have been his 10th cap against France.