Powell ruled out of Scotland clash

Andy Powell has been ruled out of Wales' RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday.

The Wasps number eight suffered a shoulder injury during the 26-19 loss to England in Cardiff three days ago, but the Wales camp hope Powell will be back in contention to face Italy later this month.

Wing Morgan Stoddart, meanwhile, has been given extra time to prove his fitness ahead of the Scotland trip after breaking a bone in his hand against England.

Stoddart, Wales' try-scorer at the Millennium Stadium, will be monitored daily to assess his progress. Cardiff Blues wing Chris Czekaj, meanwhile, has been called into the squad as cover.

It had been thought Stoddart would miss out on Murrayfield, but a specialist orthopaedic opinion offered him a chance of being fit.

"Morgan has been given a window of opportunity," said Wales physiotherapist Mark Davies. "If his symptoms settle down, we will clear him to play subject to a fitness review later in the week."

As for Powell, who injured his A/C joint, Davies added: "Andy needs a period of rest now. But if all goes well he should be back in contention for the Italy game at the end of the month."

Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny is continuing to recover from a sprained ankle that ruled him out of contention against England and is also targeting a return for Rome on February 26.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is due to name his team to face Scotland on Tuesday, with Ryan Jones favourite to replace Powell.