Scarlets full-back Blair Murray, standing at just 5ft 8ins, insists his aerial ability remains Wales' secret weapon despite being replaced by taller Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back. Murray's rapid rise included playing all 14 internationals after his 2024 debut, but he missed the Six Nations starting lineup after a change in law preventing defenders from blocking high ball chasers.

Wales, currently joint bottom of the Six Nations with Italy on retained kicks, face a vulnerable spot when receiving high balls, with France's tactic of slapping the ball back even from their own 22 proving problematic. Murray believes his game-breaking skills give him a chance to reclaim his spot against Ireland next Friday. 'I bring something that other players don't,' he stated. 'I play differently, and I don't think someone my height can't play.' Wales may also name reinforcements to their squad this week after losing lock Rhys Davies and flanker Taine Plumtree to injury.