How Injury Hit Wales Could Line Up Against South Africa

November 03, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

The injury list for Wales is mounting with the confirmation that captain Alun Wyn Jones has been ruled out of the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series following the injury he sustained against New Zealand on Saturday.

The most capped test player of all-time joins the unavailable list, including back rowers Taulupe Faletau, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Dan Lydiate, and Justin Tipuric.

Backs George North, Ashton Hewitt and Michael Collins are all among the players unavailable for the clash with the Springboks.

Shane Lewis-Hughes and Rhys Davies have been called into the squad while there has been a boost in the backline stocks, with Willis Halaholo will rejoining the team on Friday.

Liam Williams, Ellis Jenkins and Dan Biggar have trained with the squad and could feature against the World Champions. Ken Owens' involvement looks unlikely.

Jenkins could finally make his return to Test rugby following a horrid run of injuries. His most recent test was a man of the match performance against South Africa in November 2018. Jenkins is traditionally an openside flanker, but the current list of injuries could see him start on the blindside.

Pivac will also have the Premiership contingent at his disposal this week, with Louis Rees-Zammit and Nick Tompkins available for selection.

Rees-Zammit should slot straight back in on the wing while Tompkins could replace Johnny Williams in the #12 jersey after a solid start to the season with Saracens. Alternatively, he may well find a place on the bench.

How Wales could line up against South Africa:

1. Wyn Jones

2. Ryan Elias

3. Tomas Francis

4. Adam Beard

5. Will Rowlands

6. Ellis Jenkins

7. Taine Basham

8. Aaron Wainwright

9. Tomos Williams

10. Dan Biggar

11. Josh Adams