AUCKLAND, 12 Sept. – Wales have received some good news to help soften the blow of their one-point defeat by South Africa in their first Pool D match.
Two of their most experienced players – 100-cap fly half Stephen Jones and 76-cap prop Gethin Jenkins – have overcome injury worries and look certain to be available for the crucial second-round match against Samoa on Sunday.
Jones and Jenkins were both struck down with calf strains but are back in full training in preparation for the match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Wales got through the match against South Africa with a clean bill of health and, with Jones and Jenkins fit, only Ryan Jones remains on the injury list after aggravating a calf problem in training last week.
“Ryan will continue his rehabilitation with us and is still looking at a return to playing in around two to three weeks,” said Wales medical performance manager Prav Mathema.
No new injuries
“The fact we’ve been able to report no new significant injury concerns to the coaches from the weekend’s game means that the decision to allow Ryan to stay and work at getting back to fitness in time for the Fiji match (the final Pool D match in Hamilton on 2 October) can still stand.
“We have been fortunate on the injury front and came through the South Africa game relatively unscathed with just a few minor bumps and bruises to contend with.
“Both Stephen and Gethin must come through high-intensity training this week but we expect to have them both available to the selectors ahead of this weekend’s game.”
RNS ar/ig/sg
