Byrne Appeal Success 'a Big Boost'

Wales attack coach Rob Howley has welcomed the news that Lee Byrne will be available for the country's Six Nations opener on Saturday.

The star full-back received a two-week ban for temporarily returning to the field as a 16th man while playing for the Ospreys in a Heineken Cup match.

But an appeal hearing turned the suspension into a fine, meaning Warren Gatland was free to select him for the Twickenham encounter.

And Howley explained that the uncertainty prompted the side to train with two alternatives this week - with James Hook stepping in to the number 15 position.

"We have not let the doubt over Lee's availability disrupt things, but it was always going to be a boost to be able to name the first-choice Lions full-back in the side," said Howley.

Hook will now line up at outside centre for the first time on the international centre, with Jamie Roberts inside him.

The visitors are outsiders despite being victorious on their last trip to HQ, with Sportingbet (Go to Sportingbet ») offering odds of 6/4, while England are priced at 8/13 by Paddy Power (Go to Paddy Power »).

Written By:- Francis (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 04/02/2010 - 12:00 PM
Filed in:- Rugby Union Betting News