WALES forwards coach Robin McBryde dropped a hint that Andrew Coombs could make way for Alun Wyn Jones ahead of Wales’ next Six Nations clash with Scotland.

Newport Gwent Dragons lock Coombs has enjoyed an outstanding start to his international career after winning his first cap in the 30-22 defeat to Ireland last month.

Injuries to established Test players Jones, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris saw the converted back rower get his chance on the big stage.

After shining against the Irish he did so well in the 16-6 victory over France in Paris that he was kept in the starting XV which beat Italy 26-9 in Rome last weekend.

Jones, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, had to make do with a place on the substitutes’ bench but came on for Coombs in the 52nd minute at the Stadio Olimpico.

It has raised the obvious question of who Wales will start with against Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday.

Do they break up a winning team and bring in a two-times Grand Slam winner and Lions star with 68 caps or go for the in-form Coombs who has scarcely put a foot wrong?

Singing Coombs’ praises, McBryde said: “You never know how someone who is going to react on their debut when given the opportunity, and I think Andrew has surprised everybody.

“He has been very accurate in the work he has done. He rightly held on to his jersey for the last game. You are always looking to see whether the next player in line is going come from, and Andrew Coombs has shown there is more talent out there.”

But former Wales hooker McBryde alluded to the strong possibility of a change.

“We haven’t started well in the opening exchanges of the matches (in the Six Nations) and that will be in the foremost of our minds – to start well against Scotland,” he said.

“And again the experience that Alun Wyn brings, certainly works in his favour.”