Scotland’s Ryan Wilson has warned Wales the back row battle in Murrayfield will be won by the home side.
The Glasgow Warriors forward – likely to be named at No.8 when Vern Cotter announces his team on Thursday – has admitted he was surprised that Wales have overlooked Taulupe Faletau in making their starting plans for Saturday’s Six Nations clash.
But even though Wilson admits Ross Moriarty has made a big impact in a short space of time, he insisted: “We have a back row that can combat any formation they put out.
“When you play at club level you have to target Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric as they will always be quick on to the ball, so we have to be quick to the breakdown.
“Ross Moriarty has come through and has had some brilliant games as an effective ball-carrier and tackler. I heard talk of Faletau as well, and thought they might go with him, Moriarty and Warburton.
“But we have some brilliant ball stealers with John Barclay and Hamish Watson so it will be a good battle.”
Cotter will have his hand forced at the crucial No.8 position, with first-choice Josh Strauss out for the duration of this year’s Championship.
The back-row forward was hit in the kidneys by a stray boot in what turned out to be a very costly match in Paris for Cotter.
It says everything you need to know about Wales’ back-row riches that Faletau has had to make do with a spot on the bench again this week, with Howley preferring the in-form Moriarty at No.8 after a memorable shift against England.
Flankers Warburton and Justin Tipuric are also in prime form, and Cotter will miss the cut and thrust that Glasgow Warrior Strauss provides from the base.
John Barclay is an openside by trade and came in there last week for Wilson, who missed the France game through injury. But with Wilson fit again, Barclay could be the man to get in the face of Scarlets team-mates Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Liam Williams and Jonathan Davies.
Scotland could opt to pick Glasgow second row Tim Swinson in their own back row at blindside flanker, or use him as cover from the bench.
But Wilson insists Wales will face a combative unit whoever Cotter decides to select.
“Swinno’s last four or five caps have been in the back row. He can go in for the line-out and do a good job and fill in at six. He plays as an around-the-park second row but almost play like a six as well, as he showed with his try in Paris.
“Ireland defensively was a big ask of us. Wales will be similar, I think, they have more tactical kicking to their game so it will be more similar to the Ireland game than France was.
“It can be tight at times and we will be defending for long periods. Every game is physical in this championship.”