Wales without Charteris, Faletau unlikely

Cape Town - Wales have suffered an injury setback after second-row Luke Charteris was ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Italy on Sunday.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde confirmed the news along with another blow in that number eight Taulupe Faletau is unlikely to play in Rome.

Faletau (knee) and Charteris (hand) however should return for Wales' second game against England at the Principality Stadium next Saturday.

"Luke Charteris has picked up a slight fracture in his hand so he's been ruled out of this weekend, but hopefully he'll be fit for the following week," said McBryde, with head coach Rob Howley set to announce his starting line-up for the Stadio Olimpico fixture on Thursday.