WALES scrum-half Dwayne Peel is almost certain to miss the Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham a week on Saturday.

The 26-year-old British and Irish Lion, who has won 57 caps for Wales, is struggling to shake off a shoulder injury.

Wales coach Warren Gatland today said Peel was unlikely to play against the World Cup finalists: "We will see how Dwayne is later in the week but I'm conscious that next week's game against England will be incredibly physical.

"If you are number nine for Wales against England you expect a few bumps and you've got to be fit beyond doubt and ready to go to play in that game."

If Peel misses the Twickenham game, either the Ospreys' Mike Phillips or Gloucester's Gareth Cooper will start.

Peel is leaving the Llanelli Scarlets at the end of the season to join English Guinness Premiership side Sale Sharks.