Wales have released a positive fitness update on Liam Williams, Gareth Anscombe and Dan Biggar, stressing they are hopeful the backline trio will all be fit for their World Cup quarter-final.
Warren Gatland’s team will play Argentina in the first of the four knockout games in Marseille on Saturday afternoon, but are sweating on the fitness of the key players.
Number 8 Taulupe Faletau has already flown home after being ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a broken arm suffered in the win over Georgia.
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Williams (knee) and fly-halves Anscombe (groin) and Biggar (chest) are also all nurse punches. Williams played against Georgia while Anscombe suffered his injury during warm-ups.
Biggar suffered a nasty blow to the chest against Australia and was left on the bench for the match against Georgia when Anscombe was forced to withdraw, although he did not play.
Liam Williams was a doubt for Argentina after coming off with a knee injury against Georgia
Dan Biggar suffered a nasty blow to the chest against Australia and was on the bench against Georgia
Taulupe Faletau broke his arm and had to get a flight home, missing the rest of the World Cup
“As far as I know everyone is available for selection,” Wales head of physical performance Huw Bennett said at his team’s training base in Versailles on Monday.
On Williams and Anscombe, the former hooker added: “They are good, the boys are recovering well.
‘Liam was on crutches after the match but that was as a precaution and with Gareth it was annoying having to make a last minute call, but he is recovering well.
‘On Sunday, Wales called up scrum-half Kieran Hardy to replace Faletau – a move that suggested they are happy with their existing options at the back row and No. 10.
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Even if Anscombe isn’t fit for Argentina, Biggar should be and Wales also have Sam Costelow as a back-up playmaker if needed.
Aaron Wainwright is the favorite to replace Faletau at number 8 for Wales against Argentina, who have also lost a key back row in the form of Pablo Matera.
Heavy-tackling flanker Matera suffered a hamstring injury during Argentina’s victory over Japan, which sealed their qualification for the quarter-finals. It means he is unlikely to face Wales.
