Josh Navidi is poised to be plunged straight back into Wales’ side to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, replacing Taulupe Faletau in the back row.
And Liam Williams is set to return, too, while Tomos Williams is tipped to reclaim the No. 9 jersey from Gareth Davies.
George North is also set to feature, having proved his fitness in training this week.
Wales were leaving it until the last minute before ruling on Dan Biggar but the fly-half had been making sufficient progress from his knee injury to encourage hope he could feature in London.
Wayne Pivac officially names his team for the big clash at lunchtime today.
Navidi’s return to the starting line-up would be unexpected. The Cardiff Blues back rower has been restricted to just two matches this year because of a hamstring injury. He had previously been off limits for two months after a knock he picked up at the World Cup.
But Wales have missed his ability to turn over ball and need that quality against England.
Liam Williams is also backed to head straight back into the side after more than four months out, in his case because of an ankle injury.
He is likely to figure in the back-three alongside Leigh Halfpenny and North, who has apparently recovered well from the head knock he sustained against France.
The other big change is set to be at scrum-half, where Tomos Williams is expected to take over from Davies, who, according to reports, is being challenged strongly for a place in the matchday 23 by Rhys Webb.
Aaron Shingler is tipped to figure on the bench after impressing for the Scarlets last time out, with Faletau, as Pivac mulls over his options.
Wales were having a run out on Thursday morning when Pivac was checking over the match-readiness of key players before final decisions were due to be taken.
Wales team (probable): L. Halfpenny; G. North, N. Tompkins, H. Parkes, L. Williams; D. Biggar, T. Williams; R. Evans, K. Owens, D. Lewis, J. Ball, A. W. Jones (capt), R. Moriarty, J. Tipuric, J. Navidi.
