Wales wait on crocked stars
Wales face a tense wait to see which of their crocked players will recover from injury in time for their clash with Samoa on Friday.
Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones withdrew from the match with Argentina on Saturday with a shoulder injury, a scan on Monday is expected to reveal the extent of the problem.
Centre Jamie Roberts is currently following protocol after suffering mild concussion, which also caused him to withdraw against the Pumas – at this moment his availability for the meeting with Samoa on Friday is still undetermined and will depend on his recovery over the next few days.
Elsewhere, loose forward Ryan Jones (shoulder) and centre Ashley Beck (hip) intend to take a full part in training this week with a view to being available for selection for Friday, with progress being continually monitored by the WRU medical department.
Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies is still taking a limited part due to a groin problem, but his progress will also be continually assessed.
Perpignan lock Luke Charteris has now joined up with the squad for training after being released to play for his club last weekend. Ospreys second row forward Lloyd Peers has been called in to train with the squad this week as temporary cover for Jones.
In response to World Cup semifinalists' Wales's injury problems, the announcement of the team to play Samoa has been put back 24 hours, from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The WRU said this would "allow coaches and medical staff further time to assess injuries and player recovery".
Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales' defeat by Argentina was their heaviest home loss for three years and worst anywhere for 22 Tests.
Wales are currently sixth in the International Rugby Board world rankings, but further defeats in their remaining year-end Tests could see them drop out of the top eight.
That would leave Wales facing a tough task when the draw, based on the rankings, for the 2015 World Cup in England is made next month as it would mean they were in a group with two teams above them in the standings, with only two sides from each pool going through to the quarterfinals.
