Injury Crisis Hits Wales Camp
As was reported on Tuesday, issues of eligibility are affecting the selection process. Wales are now further depleted by a new spate of injuries. Meanwhile, The Boks have been taking some time off the rigours of rugby on the golf course.
Scott Andrews set to start and Rhodri Jones parachuted in amid injury crisis
Scott Andrews is set to start for Wales against South Africa, with Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones, also called up to the squad amid an apparent front row injury crisis.
Jones has joined the squad because of fitness concerns surrounding Leon Brown and Rob Evans. Leon Brown and Rob Evans are also doubtful which has facilitated the need for Jones’ call-up.
Andrews should start at tighthead prop. Jones, capped 15 times for Wales, has started just two Anglo-Welsh games for the Welsh region this season at tighthead. In Brown’s potential absence, and with Samson Lee injured and Tomas Francis returning to Exeter, he is currently the only potential back-up to Andrews at tighthead.
In the backline, Gareth Davies will start at scrum-half with Dan Biggar at 10. Rhys Mitchell is set to feature for the first time in the Autumn campaign.
Jenkins expects tough test from ‘fantastic’ Springboks
Wales legend Neil Jenkins, is taking nothing for granted ahead of Saturday’s season-ender against South Africa. The veteran of 87 caps said “You can’t take anyone lightly in Test football anymore as we have found out in the past. They’ll be tough on Saturday, there’s no doubt about that because they have some fantastic players.” ahead of what he expects to be another physically gruelling encounter. It is also Jenkins’ hope that Wales recover from an equally bruising meeting with The All Blacks last weekend.
Jenkins has warned the Welsh side not to take the Springboks lightly despite having beaten them 27-13 in the corresponding fixture last year.
Springboks hit the golf course
While Wales are counting the cost of injuries and their taxing match with The All Blacks, The Boks have been taking it easy on the golf course. Pictured here, it looked like a cold day out on Wednesday.
Team sheets will up on the site at around 16:00 today and are available here.
Kickoff is on Saturday at 16:30 CAT.