Wales wait on injury updates

Editor

Wales face an anxious wait over the fitness of several key players ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Cardiff.

Wales face an anxious wait over the fitness of several key players ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland is sweating over three first choice members of his backline, while young prop Nicky Smith has undergone a scan on a pectoral injury.

Winger George North is due to undergo a concussion protocol to determine whether he is ready to play, while Rhys Webb was forced off with a groin strain during the defeat to the All Blacks.

Leigh Halfpenny’s fitness is also a concern after he took a knock to his shoulder, but assistant coach Rob Howley is optimistic the full-back will be fit.

“Monday is that sort of day in terms of X-rays, scans and treatment and trying to assess where our players are at,” said Howley.

“Nicky Smith has got a pectoral injury and we are awaiting results of a scan. George North will hopefully start his concussion protocol either today or tomorrow.

“Rhys Webb came off with a groin strain and he is being assessed and will hopefully be available on the weekend.

“Leigh has taken a little bit of a bump to his shoulder. He is being assessed, but we are hopeful that he will be able to start training tomorrow. It is not major at this moment in time.”

Wales finish their November series against South Africa on Saturday having beaten Fiji and lost to Australia and New Zealand so far.