Wales set to be without forward duo against Australia

Wales are likely to be without second-row Will Rowlands and tighthead prop WillGriff John for their Autumn Nations Series clash with Australia on Saturday.

Assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys admitted it’s “unlikely” the duo will be fit for the game after they suffered head injuries during Wales’ 38-23 win over Fiji.

John’s fellow prop Tomas Francis, meanwhile, is following return-to-play protocols after being concussed in training last week.

And wing Josh Adams, who was withdrawn from the starting line-up just before kick-off against Fiji due to a calf muscle issue, is also being monitored.

Following protocols

Humphreys said: “Regarding the two head injury assessments (Rowlands and John), they are following protocols, but I think it is unlikely they are going to be right.

“Tomas Francis is again following protocols, so we are a bit more hopeful on that.”

And on Adams, Humphreys added: “Hopefully, he is going to be right. It will probably be a last-minute clearance on that, but hopefully he is going to be right.”

Number eight Aaron Wainwright has been recovering from a shoulder problem, and Humphreys said: “Again, it’s going to be a late call.

“He has made significant improvement, so hopefully he will be involved at the weekend.”

Michael Hooper ruled out of final tour game

Wallabies’ influential skipper Michael Hooper will miss their final match of the northern hemisphere tour against Wales this weekend.

Hooper limped off during the 32-15 defeat against England at Twickenham and it has been confirmed that he won’t be available for their final match of the season.

The flanker has suffered a grade two foot sprain but will stay with the squad before they head back to Sydney on Sunday.

Experienced prop James Slipper will lead the side at the Principality Stadium.