France last night suffered a major injury blow when out-half Christophe Lamaison was ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations Championship showdown with England. Lamaison, who kicked 21 points against Wales in Cardiff last weekend, has a sprained knee ligament. Experienced Bourgoin centre Stephane Glas has been called into the squad by French coach Bernard Laporte, but Toulouse out-half Alain Penaud is favourite to replace Lamaison in the number 10 jersey.

Welsh coach Graham Henry yesterday made four changes for Saturday's Six Nations Championship clash against Italy in Cardiff following their 36-3 home defeat by France.

Henry has dropped Jason JonesHughes, wing Dafydd James, lock Ian Gough and flanker Colin Charvis.

Into the team come Northampton's midfield play-maker Allan Bateman, Neath wing Shane Williams, Cardiff second row Craig Quinnell and Pontypridd blindside flanker Geraint Lewis.