WALES has confirmed that key players Liam Williams, Gareth Anscombe, and Dan Biggar remain in contention for selection in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash against Argentina in Marseille. The trio had raised concerns due to recent injuries, sparking worries among fans and experts alike.
Wales, led by coach Warren Gatland, has been riding a wave of success with an unbeaten streak in the tournament. However, their fortunes took a hit with Taulupe Faletau being ruled out after breaking his arm. The stakes are high as the team approaches the knockout stages, making the recovery of Williams, Anscombe, and Biggar crucial for their World Cup aspirations.
Anscombe’s situation had looked dire when he suffered a groin injury during the warm-up before the win against Georgia. His visible distress raised apprehensions, but the Welsh camp remains optimistic about his recovery. Dan Biggar, who had recently returned to full training following a pectoral injury sustained against Australia, was cautious not to aggravate his condition.
Liam Williams, the team’s full-back, had been nursing a knee injury sustained in Nantes. Despite initial concerns, Wales has consistently downplayed the severity of his injury, providing a glimmer of hope for his participation in the upcoming clash.
Head of physical performance, Huw Bennett, provided reassurance, stating, “As far as I’m aware, everyone’s available for selection.” Bennett further elaborated on the players’ conditions, mentioning that both Anscombe and Williams were recovering well. Williams had been seen on crutches after the game, but this precautionary measure did not imply a grave situation. Bennett acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Faletau’s absence, describing it as a “sobering” moment for the team.
Reflecting on Faletau’s loss, Bennett highlighted the team’s need to persevere, stating, “We’ve been lucky so far without injuries but sadly it happens; we’ve got to move on.” Despite the setback, the Welsh camp maintains confidence in their squad’s depth, hoping to overcome the absence of Faletau and focus on the challenge posed by Argentina.
