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Wales are set to be handed a double Six Nations back-line boost this weekend with Gareth Anscombe and Hallam Amos in contention to make their return from the injuries which have stopped them playing since the World Cup.

And Wales captain Sam Warburton is also close to being declared fit from the ankle damage he suffered during Cardiff Blues’ defeat at the Ospreys last November.

Wing or full-back Amos is set to be in the Newport Gwent Dragons team to face French club Castres in a vital European Challenge Cup clash at Rodney Parade on Friday night if he passes a fitness test.

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The 21-year-old has been out of action since suffering a dislocated right shoulder injury during Wales’ heroic backs to the wall World Cup pool victory over hosts England at Twickenham last autumn.

“We are hoping Hallam will be up for selection. He has trained well but first and foremost we need to make sure he is 100%,” said Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones.

“There will be a test to determine whether his shoulder is back to full strength

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“He hasn’t played for us this season and is a quality player who made a huge difference to our results last year.

“Everybody talks about having X-factor and high-profile players. We are growing ours and he is one of them who can make a difference. He is desperately keen to get back on the field.”

Bath-bound Wales No.8 star Taulupe Faletau has recovered from the leg injury which kept him out of the Christmas derbies and is expected to feature for the Dragons against Castres.

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Cardiff Blues outside-half or full-back Anscombe hasn’t played since Wales’ World Cup quarter-final exit to South Africa at Twickenham last October following ankle surgery.

But he may be deemed ready to give Gatland a boost for the Six Nations by making his comeback against Harlequins in their must-win European Challenge Cup clash with Jamie Roberts’ Aviva Premiership high-flyers at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

Wales captain Sam Warburton is also close to a return from the ankle damage he suffered during the defeat at the Ospreys at the end of November although an outing against Calvisano the following weekend is the more likely option for the flanker.

“Both Sam and Gareth are making really good progress. Gareth has trained really well this week and is slightly further along the track,” said Blues coach Danny Wilson.

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“Sam is probably more likely to play in the Calvisano game. Those two guys are desperate to get back on the rugby field and prove what they are capable of, both for the Blues and Wales.”

Amos’ Dragons centre team-mate Tyler Morgan, who injured a shoulder in Wales’ World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa, could make his return next week against Sale.

It remains unclear whether Scarlets’ full-back Liam Williams, who bowed out of the global showpiece with the recurrence of a foot injury, will be fit with the end of the month being mooted for his return.

Wales begin their bid for Six Nations glory against Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on February 7.