Wales are poised to recall Cory Hill for the Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday, with the Dragon set to reappear in the starting line-up for the first time in more than a year.
Rhys Webb and WillGriff John are also being strongly considered for the game with the Scots.
Wales were having a run-out this morning when final decisions were being made.
They need to draft in a fresh second row after Jake Ball sustained a shoulder injury that’s expected to keep him out for 12 weeks. Hill has also been hit by injury in this Six Nations, with a hamstring problem leaving him off limits after the game with Ireland.
That was the latest knock in a nightmare year that’s involved an ankle injury and a stress fracture of the leg, with Hill returning home from the World Cup without playing a game.
But he’s a leader who is said to have forced his way back into the reckoning.
Webb, too, is in contention to start after a prolonged absence from the run-on XV.
He made a big impact off the bench against England, helping to spark Wales’ late rally and bringing authority from the base of the scrum.
And Pivac was mulling over whether to hand a debut cap to John amid injury concerns and prop issues that have seen Wales concede eight scrum penalties in this Six Nations.
Earlier in the championship there were questions about John’s fitness for Test rugby, but Wales desperately need a strong set-piece against Scotland, who have been scrummaging well with their loosehead prop Rory Sutherland outstanding.
Pivac is thinking of looking to John to help provide him with that platform, with Dillon Lewis picking up a knock against England and Leon Brown hurting a shoulder. Wyn Jones could also come in.
