Skip to main content

Wales squad hampered by injury ahead of series finale

Wales have been left with a hefty casualty count that could affect selection plans for next Saturday’s autumn Test series finale against South Africa.

Uncapped Scarlets prop Rob Evans has been called up to train with the national squad, while Wales head coach Warren Gatland put back today’s scheduled team announcement and will instead have it on Thursday.

Loosehead prop is a particular area of concern for Gatland and his coaching staff.

Bath’s Paul James is unavailable as South Africa’s Millennium Stadium visit falls outside the International Rugby Board autumn Test window — the Gloucester pair of hooker Richard Hibbard and fly-half James Hook are also in that category — while James’s fellow prop Nicky Smith has a pectoral muscle injury and Gethin Jenkins is recovering from hamstring trouble.

And behind the scrum, assessments will need to be made on full-back Leigh Halfpenny, wing George North and scrum-half Rhys Webb who all suffered knocks during Wales’s 34-16 defeat against world champions New Zealand two days ago.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today