WALES are confident they can avert any threat of a second-row crisis in this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship after Bradley Davies' tournament-ending ban.

Davies today joined his fellow World Cup locks Luke Charteris and Alun-Wyn Jones, who are both injured, on the Six Nations sidelines.

Cardiff Blues forward Davies, subject to any successful appeal, cannot play again until March 26 - nine days after the competition finishes.

The punishment, which would have been considerably longer had it not been for various mitigating factors, follows his citing for a reckless tip-tackle on Ireland replacement Donncha Ryan during last Sunday's Six Nations clash in Dublin.

Davies, 25, was reported by match commissioner, Italian Achille Reali, following the second-half incident at the Aviva Stadium.

Top English referee Wayne Barnes brandished a yellow card on the recommendation of his assistant Dave Pearson, but television replays revealed the full extent of Davies' actions, which should have undoubtedly warranted a straight red.

Even Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted that Davies was fortunate to avoid being sent off, so his suspension should come as no surprise to a Welsh camp currently preparing for next Sunday's Six Nations appointment with Scotland in Cardiff.

Gatland will announce his team to face the Scots tomorrow afternoon, with former captain and back-row regular Ryan Jones widely expected to take Davies' number four shirt.

Jones, who starred at blindside flanker against Ireland, has played lock for his regional team the Ospreys this season, and would be the obvious replacement for Davies, although Gatland also has uncapped Scarlets second-row Lou Reed in the Six Nations squad.

"Ryan Jones has been on top of his game as a second-row and back-row for the Ospreys, and we are really happy with the way he is playing at the moment,’’ Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde said, speaking prior to Davies' ban being announced.

"We have that option, even if it would not give him as much freedom to run around the field carrying the ball as he did so well on Sunday.

"And we have Lou, an up-and-coming second-row who was with us at our training camp in Poland and has plenty to offer. He does not look out of place and he is fitting in well, taking a lot on board.

"We know we can turn to him, and we also have Aaron Shingler, who covers the back five for the Scarlets. We are not looking to add someone to the squad at this stage."