INJURED French out half Alain Penaud has ruled himself out off the Five Nations match against Wales at Parc des Princes on February 15th. The Brive captain injured his ankle in the European final against Leicester two weeks ago in Cardiff.

Penaud is the latest in the growing list of players out of action which threatens to derail France's Five Nations hopes. On Tuesday their outstanding centre Thomas Castaignede pulled out of the Wales tie after he had his jaw broken during a club match.

Scrum half Fabien Galthie is out for the season with torn ligaments, veteran flanker Philippe Benetton is recovering from a broken jaw and prop Franck Tournaireis out after being banned for one match because of violent play during the Ireland game.

Injuries could, once again, hamper Wales coach Kevin Bowring, who will announce his side this morning. Richmond centre Allan Bateman and Cardiff flanker Gwyn Jones have been tipped to make the Parc des Princes starting line up, but both are still recovering from untimely injury setbacks. A fit Bateman would probably replace Gareth Thomas, allowing Bridgend centre Thomas the left wing berth he filled against Scotland last month.

Up front, debate rages around the second and back rows. Richmond's Craig Quinnell may replace Pontypridd lock Mark Rowley. But 21 year old Quinnell could also be considered as a blindside flanker, replacing Neath's struggling out of position Steve Williams and operating alongside his brother, number eight Scott.

Eight times capped Jones, Llanelli flanker Andrew Gibbs and exciting Bath prospect Nathan Thomas are other back row alternatives. And if Craig Quinnell pinned down the blindside berth, and Rowley was omitted, then inform Swansea second row Paul Arnold would provide options.