After Wales scrum was given a tough time by France in the 29-22 defeat in Cardiff last time out, team manager Alan Phillips has pointed to a crippling shortage of tighthead props in the Principality.

The situation has not been helped by the fact that Neath-Swansea Ospreys tighthead Adam Jones has been injured since the second championship match.

And it is not a situation Wales need as they prepare to lock horns with an England front row of Phil Vickery, Steve Thompson and Trevor Woodman, whose combined weight tips the scales at 54 stones.

Under Graham Henry three years ago we identified there was a tighthead problem then, said Phillips.

There is not doubt there is tighthead problem in Wales. We have stacks of looseheads. We seem to be producing lots of looseheads but not tightheads.

Phillips claims that the Welsh Rugby Union are desperately trying to find ways of addressing the situation, including the possibility of employing a speciality prop coach.

But while the prop problem is an issue, talk in rugby circles in Wales continues to surround the appointment of Mike Ruddock as coach ahead of Gareth Jenkins and Mark Evans, as Steve Hansens successor.

Phillips, however, is trying to ignore the rugby politics and talk about the rugby.

He said: The biggest distraction has been getting our front five and our pack ready for the world champions. We have got enough issues ourselves as a team.

You cant help but fail to notice what has gone on around you but we have tried to distance ourselves from that.

Because, to be honest, its got nothing to do with us at the minute.

Weve got England on the weekend who have lost their last game at home. I think we have got enough to worry about ourselves as a team than worry whats been going on outside.

They will have been very disappointed to lose at home to Ireland, but they have had plenty of distractions.

They need a big performance against us on Saturday to put themselves back on track.