Wales have picked up a staggering amount of injuries in this World Cup campaign and its build up. Their first choice Number 8 Taulupe Faletau broke his collarbone in training during pre-tournament camp to rule him out of the tournament. First choice out half Gareth Anscombe didnât make it to Japan either doing his cruciate in the test match against England at Twickenham in August. Liam Williams first choice full back out of the tournament after an ankle injury mid week in training. Josh Navidi their best back row player in Japan also had his tournament ended with a hamstring injury against France last week. Tight head Thomas Francis and wing George North both look like their tournament is over after those first half injuries there.
Both centres Hadleigh Parkes and Fox Davies carrying injuries all tournament too. Fox didnât play last week and looks a bit off the pace today.
Iâm surprised there hasnât been more focus on whatâs an absolute epidemic of injuries. Is it down to Gatlandâs preparation?
I wouldnât entirely discount a Welsh smash and grab win here though if they could get a try soon to go ahead. South Africa for all their power and pack dominance, donât trouble the scoreboard all that much. If Wales do pull it off, theyâre fucked against England and will barely have a team to field.
They are, but theyâre playing well below par today. Thatâs knock out tournament play for you, as New Zealand found out yesterday. If you donât turn up or play below par, you can be beaten on any given day.