Wales

The Ospreys hooker, who last year was bizarrely sidelined after being bitten on the hand by a lion, was hurt in training and requires surgery that will keep him out of action for five months.

A Wales Rugby Union statement confirmed that Scarlets' Ryan Elias, who has two international caps, has been called up in his place.

Wales are already shorn of several players, with the likes of Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland among their absentees.

The halfback, who has 31 caps, was released from the squad on Thursday and the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed he will undergo further assessments "to establish the best course of action".

Webb's setback leaves head coach Warren Gatland potentially without nine senior players ahead of the opening clash at home to Scotland on February 3.

Webb has been replaced by uncapped Cardiff playmaker Tomos Williams but Gatland will be missing a host of experienced names for most, if not all, of the Six Nations.

Faletau was hurt in Bath's European Champions Cup defeat to Toulon, prompting concern for club and country with the Six Nations just eight weeks away.

The back-row missed a chunk of last season and the start of the 2017 Six Nations due to knee ligament injuries.

"I hope it's not the same knee as he injured last season, but it doesn't look good," Blackadder was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"It looked like there was a ruck, he came in from the side and Toby tweaked his medial [ligaments]."

Warburton hasn't played since July, when he captained the British and Irish Lions to a series draw in New Zealand.

Following rest, he had neck surgery in September so he could return to club action in the new year and be available for another Six Nations tilt.

But Warburton and the Welsh Rugby Union decided that when he returns he should do so free of all aches and pains, so he had his left knee operated on.

The match was closer than the scoreline suggested, with the All Blacks powered to a 30th successive victory over their opponents by their powerful wings Waisake Naholo and man of the match Rieko Ioane, who each scored two tries.

But they were given a mighty scare by the home side, who hinted at an upset just before the interval with a well-worked move that let in Scott Williams for a try in his 50th international.

They have been put on notice about sub-par mindsets at Murrayfield last weekend, and given a stern message about what it will take to continue their 64-year dominance of the Welsh at Principality Stadium.

As thoughts inevitably turn to summer breaks, beaches, barbies and beers, the coaching staff are working furiously at keeping those minds from jumping on a plane before the bodies are due to at Heathrow on Sunday. It's a delicate balance.

Nigel Owens was called in to referee an unprecedented training session between the Six Nations rivals in Bristol on Monday.

England scrum coach Hatley said there was no shortage of intensity and thinks both sides can reap the rewards ahead of the autumn internationals.

Hatley said: "It was good, very worthwhile. Obviously it is good to get live competition early on in the week and it was a very worthwhile session, a lot to be gained from it.

Wales bagged a second consecutive win over a Pacific team, beating Manu Samoa 19-17 after trailing for most of the match.

Wing Steffan Evans scored in the 72nd minute to win it for Wales.

Earlier Alapati Leiua and Manu Leiataua had crossed the line for Samoa.

Robin McBryde told BBC Wales his team showed immense character.

"After going 10-0 down early on in the first half, it's like 20-0 in these conditions, you know, and we stayed in there and we soaked it up," McBryde said.

Paul Alo-Emile gets his opportunity at tight head prop, with Census Johnston having to return to New Zealand for personal reasons.

Galu Taufale is set to earn his first cap on the openside flank, while Alafoti Faosiliva earns a start at number eight.

Faifili Levave and Vavae Tuilagi are set to add loose forward impact off the bench.

Davies' place-kicking was below par in Wales' 24-6 win over Tonga on Friday, missing three of seven chances, but the fly-half impressed with ball in hand.

Wales now travel from Eden Park to Apia to face Samoa on Friday, 23 June.

"Sam is the main danger for Wales. He's good at making the right decision at the right time, he's classy and he's got a good kicking game," Fonotia said.

"He is a very gifted player. He always seems to have a bit of time when he takes the ball to the line."