Pivac’s squad lose four players ahead of their match against Scotland this Saturday
WALES’ chances of bringing home the Guinness Six Nations title are under serious threat after four players were ruled out of Saturday’s game.
Dan Lydiate, Tomos Williams, Johnny Williams and Hallam Amos all sustained injuries during their 21-16 victory against Ireland at the weekend.
“I suppose towards the end (of the Ireland game) we faced a bit of adversity. A few boys were suffering from injuries.
“We counted the costs yesterday, a few have been patched up for this weekend,” revealed Gethin Jenkins, Wales’ new defence coach.
Flanker, Dan Lydiate, has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. He had only just returned to the side, making an appearance for the first time since November 2018.
Scrum-half Tomos Williams will also be absent from Wales’ game against Scotland after suffering a hamstring injury. He is currently being assessed, but Jenkins admitted he would probably miss several games.
Centre Johnny Williams and winger Hallam Amos are both side-lined after receiving head injuries.
To add to Wales’ woes, doubts are emerging about George North’s and Nick Tompkins’ fitness.
North picked up an eye injury during the Ireland match, whilst Tompkins appeared to have an issue with his shoulder.
However, neither player has been ruled out yet, but Jenkins acknowledged that they were still assessing where both players were physically.
This means that Wales could be on the search for several players, including a versatile winger like North, who scored one of Wales’ two tries on Sunday.
George North has taken on the mantle of centre in the absence of Jonathan Davies, who is still out with an ankle injury.
Any additions to the squad and their bubble will be subject to strict Coronavirus restrictions, with the side having to wait until they receive test results from the regional squads.
“We’re looking at the injuries and we’ll be looking at people. I don’t want to speak about who might come in because of the Covid stuff,” said Jenkins.
Wales will be hoping they can overcome these setbacks, with the side looking more promising after a disappointing autumn campaign.
No announcements about call-ups have been made so far, with Head Coach Wayne Pivac expected to name his squad later this week.
- Scotland v Wales kicks off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday, February 13.
