Lions prop legend Graham Price says that Wales will miss the injured Chris Horsman against England, but that Andrew Sheridan is "overrated". The clash between Wales tight-head Horsman and giant England loose-head Sheridan had been hugely anticipated.
But the former's ankle problem has ruled him out of the 4 February England versus Wales showdown at Twickenham.
"I've watched Sheridan closely and against hard-nosed players he's not so happy, he's overrated," said Price.
 |  The big problem will be if Adam Jones is injured |
"He impressed against Australia in the autumn, but that was against the weakest international front row I can remember," added the ex-Wales tight-head, a member of the legendary Pontypool front row alongside Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner.
Price sung the praises of Horsman after he broke into the Wales side in the autumn and concedes that his loss is a blow to coach Mike Ruddock.
 Horsman is a renowned scrummager for club and country |
"Horsman brought strength-in-depth to Wales at tight-head," Price told BBC Sport Wales.
"He's been through the mill and proved himself in the Guinness Premiership, where a lot of emphasis is placed on tight play.
"[Ospreys tight-head] Adam Jones can do a job, but Horsman's presence had helped to gee him up.
"The big problem will be if Jones is injured. That would probably mean Gethin Jenkins spending at least some time on the tight-head, but he's needed on the loose-head.
| It will be a tall order for Wales to defend their title |
"Duncan Jones is also fine on the loose-head, but I'd rather have Adam Jones playing the entire game as a dedicated tight-head for the job he can do in the scrum."
With Horsman joining Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones, Gavin Henson, Tom Shanklin and Kevin Morgan on the Six Nations sidelines, Price acknowledges that Wales could struggle.
"It will be a tall order for Wales to defend their title, all the other teams are getting their acts together ahead of next year's World Cup," said Price.
"England will be much improved from last year, and France won't slip up again.
"Scotland are picking up and looking more confident under their new coach, but Ireland are still rebuilding."
MMIX
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