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Here are you Six Nations evening headlines for Monday, February 3.

Eddie starts next war of words

Eddie Jones's war of words with France backfired spectacularly but it doesn't look like he's going to mellow any time soon.

Taking aim ahead of Saturday's clash with Scotland Jones has claimed that Scotland's success on home turf has largely been down to intimidation.

“Scotland are a niggly side. Our historical record against Scotland is interesting – over 80% wins in England but only 50% at Murrayfield,” Jones said.

Asked for an example of “niggly” conduct, Jones replied: “The dressing-room scene two years ago when they tried to goad a couple of our players.

"And they were successful. Historically they’ve done that through the ages. That’s the way they stay in the game and they’re good at it.

“The Murrayfield environment helps them but you’ve got to be good enough to stay focused, be on task, do what you need to do.

"Composure is always important in rugby, but probably more so at Murrayfield.”

Liam Williams ruled out for next two Six Nations matches

(Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

Wales have suffered an injury setback with the news that Liam Williams is now likely to be out of action until at least round four of the Six Nations Championship.

The 28-year-old has not played since suffering an ankle injury which ended his 2019 Rugby World Cup just days before the semi-final against South Africa.

It had been hoped he would recover in time to face Ireland in Dublin this weekend but it has come too soon for the full-back, who is now also likely to miss the game against France in round three.

“He’s struggling a bit at the moment", Wales defence coach Byron Hayward said.

"It’s probably a bit too early for Liam. We’re looking at the fourth and fifth game in the Championship for when he’ll be available.

“Certainly not [as early as we would have hoped] but the boys went well last weekend, Leigh had a great game at full back, though it would be nice to get Liam back, obviously.”

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Three Wales players back in training

There is, however, better news on Wales’ other injured contingent.

Gareth Davies (groin), Owen Watkin (knee) and Elliot Dee (ribs) all missed the opening 42-0 victory over Italy but are now taking part in training and are available for selection this weekend.

“It’s nice to see them back and into training", Hayward added.

"They’re fit and ready to go.

“We’re not too bad at the moment. There are a couple of knocks, bumps and bruises but nothing very serious.

“We came out of last weekend in a pretty good place in terms of a physical and medical point of view.”

Two Ireland stars ruled out for Wales game

Ireland have made two enforced changes to their team to face Wales at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

With Garry Ringrose ruled out after undergoing surgery on the thumb he damaged in the 19-12 victory over Scotland, Robbie Henshaw starts in the centre.

And Peter O’Mahony is reinstated in the back row, with Caelan Doris sidelined after being concussed in an accidental clash of heads just five minutes into his Test debut on the weekend.

The vastly experienced O’Mahony will pack down on the blindside flank, with CJ Stander reverting to No 8, where he excelled against the Scots.

Lions Test prop Tadhg Furlong has been passed fit having being helped off the pitch on Saturday after his calves cramped.

Conor Murray has once again seen off the challenge of Ulster’s in-form scrum-half John Cooney and continues his long-standing half-back partnership with captain Johnny Sexton.

There’s a new face on the bench, with uncapped back rower Max Deegan in line to make his Test debut.

Shaun Edwards open to England job

(Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

England not signing up Shaun Edwards has been described as a big mistake, with the former Wales coach's new start in France getting off to a superb start at the weekend with a win over Rugby World Cup finalists England.

Former English internationals and fans have been asking how he was allowed to slip through their grasp after the successful coach showed off yet another coaching masterclass in France's win over England on Sunday.

When asked himself about whether England have missed out, he told The Times: "You never know what might happen in the future. Let's just leave it at that."

Edwards weighed in on Eddie Jones' choice of words before the game, too.

"I thought Eddie chose the wrong word there," says Edwards. "He probably should have said 'physicality'. 'Brutality' brings to mind other things. I just think Eddie picked the wrong word."