WALES forwards coach Robin McBryde has hailed the “edge” of Cory Hill with the Newport Gwent Dragons lock set to profit from Luke Charteris’ injury misfortune.

A hand problem has ruled Charteris out of the Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday along with number eight Taulupe Faletau, who has not played since Christmas Eve because of a knee ligament injury.

Jake Ball is now in pole position to partner captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row with Hill likely to back them up from the bench.

The 24-year-old made a real impression after a late call-up to the squad for the autumn internationals and won caps against Australia, Japan and South Africa while he was an unused replacement versus Argentina.

The loss of Charteris is a blow – especially in the defence of the lineout drive – but McBryde is pleased with the strength in depth in the boilerhouse.

“Cory is a very intelligent player and I have really enjoyed working with him, he has deserved his opportunity,” said the former hooker.

“He is a consistent performer for the Dragons and is a lot more comfortable in the environment now. His whole nature and his demeanour, he takes it one step at a time and adds a little bit of edge in training as well.”

A rib injury meant that Ball made just one November appearance when coming off the bench against the Brave Blossoms. However, his terrific form with the Scarlets meant that Charteris would have been sweating on his start if fully fit.

McBryde said: “Jake was bitterly disappointed after the autumn injuries and illness but has gone back to the Scarlets and has worked on his game.

“He has put in some telling performances and it’s good to have him in the mix along with Cory Hill and Rory Thornton.

“There are five there that are working very well together and asking questions of each other. We know that Rory is one for the future and that’s why we are investing the time in him.”

Wales, who named their team on Thursday, are hopeful that former Dragons pair Charteris and Faletau will be fit for the round two clash with England in Cardiff a week on Saturday.

The latter’s absence makes a starting back row of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty likely in Rome.

Uncapped flankers Thomas Young and Olly Cracknell are bench options with the Wasps man being mentored by Tipuric this week and the Ospreys prospect being shown the ropes by Warburton.

“It is obviously going to be a big blow for Taulupe, as it would be for anyone in that back row, because they are more than aware of the competition that exists there,” said McBryde. “If they are not playing, it means that someone else has an opportunity to play.

“Nobody likes to be injured for a game, especially a Six Nations opener. He is disappointed, but it is just one of those things, really.

“There is healthy competition. Both Olly and Thomas, new faces in the back row, just add to that mix that keeps everyone on their toes.

“It is all about getting the balance right in that back-row. We are in a healthy place at the moment, and whoever gets the nod, I am sure they will perform on the day.

“It is obviously a big step up in terms of intensity (for newcomers) and they have taken to it outstandingly.”