Wales get a boost ahead of Argentina clash
NEWS: Wales are set to have “everyone” available for selection ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday.
Flyhalf Gareth Anscombe was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad to face Georgia on Saturday as he pulled up with a groin injury, while fullback Liam Williams sustained a bang on the knee.
“The boys are recovering well. Liam was on crutches after the [Georgia] game but that was just a precaution,” said Huw Bennett, who is the head of high performance.
“Gareth is also recovering well.
“As far as I’m aware everyone is available for selection.”
The big negative from Wales’ clash against Georgia was that they lost powerhouse No.8 Taulupe Faletau to a broken arm and he was replaced in the squad by scrumhalf Kieran Hardy.
“Kieran was a part of the 54-strong original group back in late May when we had all the camps,” Bennet explained.
“We’ve been keeping tabs on all the players who were on the shortlist just making sure they are good to go when they come in. We know Kieran is a great professional. He will fit in straight away.”
On losing Faletau, Bennett added: “Losing Toby is massive for Wales. He is a big character.
“After the game, we were happy for the victory, the points difference, but losing Toby was a bit of a sobering stamp on it.
“A couple of people were probably kicking themselves as before the game they said we’d been lucky with injuries, but it happens.
“We’re lucky in that we feel the strength in depth in the squad is good.”
Additional reporting: @WorldRugby & AFP
