Wales have called Gloucester utility back James Hook and Cardiff playmaker Gareth Anscombe into their squad for the rest of the Rugby World Cup, after Hallam Amos and Scott Williams were ruled out of the tournament with injuries sustained in the win at Twickenham on Saturday.
Williams and Amos join a long line of walking wounded that includes Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb – almost a full backline.
In a press conference this afternoon, head coach Warren Gatland also confirmed that Liam Williams, who left the field with concussion against England, would miss the Fiji game as he completed the return to play protocols.
A statement from the WRU read:
Following the Rugby World Cup victory against England on Saturday, Scott Williams (knee) and Hallam Amos (shoulder) have sustained injuries that will preclude them from taking any further part in the tournament and they have subsequently been released from the Wales squad.
Both players are currently being assessed by specialists to establish an accurate prognosis.
James Hook and Gareth Anscombe, who were both part of Wales’ Rugby World Cup training squad and featured in warm-up tests ahead of the tournament have been called into the squad as replacements.
Hook will feature in his third RWC squad and will look to add to his tally of 78 International caps. Anscombe, made his International debut against Ireland in August.
Liam Williams sustained concussion in the same game and will not be considered for the Fiji fixture due to the impending time frame of the game. He will be continually assessed and is to undertake a graduated return to play before being considered for selection for Wales’ following game against Australia.
*Above is subject to Rugby World Cup confirmation
Wales play Fiji on Thursday evening before finishing their pool stage games against Australia at Twickenham a week on Saturday.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Hook can put that voodoo doll down now.
Hmmmm …. I have really, really bad memories of these 3 things together – Mill Stadium, Fiji, James Hook.
Have you blocked out it was also a “knock out” RWC pool game?
Have faith they don’t got their biggest star we can take em hopefully with a bonus point
So is Gavin the next cab off the rank then?
Liam Williams will be a huge loss for the must win Fiji game, also a bit worried about Anscombe , how fit can he be ?. Lot of people calling for Hook anyway, he can be either brilliant …. or a liability. Will be happy with any win on Thursday, don’t want to have to be in the position of beating the Aussies to qualify.
Just found out Nadolo has a one match ban so will miss the Wales game, maybe a stroke of good luck for a change …
Saw Nadolo play in the Australia game last Wednesday. He didn’t do much, I thought he was lazy and overrated, he certainly shouldn’t worry Wales if he plays, unless of course he falls on one of your players, he’s a heavy lump!
now that Wales are number 2 in the world rankings the next 2 games will be a walk in the park and Wales will make their first RWC final so good luck and also enjoy all the press ‘support’ you can now expect
All we need is 4 lineouts in the Fiji 22 and 4 rolling mauls – simples! BP here we come.. ;) Oh, and Charteris has to be nailed on to start to facilitate all of this of course.
Don’t think we need a BP. Squeaky win for us with our D team then Aus to dance their way to 4 tries against England. Qualify second, play table topping Scotland in the quarters, then beat Ireland again to get to the final. Looks like I’m busy on Halloween this year.
Why did Chris Robshaw go on a speed awareness course? Anything to avoid taking the 3 points.
Biimey. Must be a bit galling for Wales to have to call up a whinging, whining, arrogant Kiwi as cover… & that’s not to mention the same in respect of their coach of course.
Anyway, maybe it could be worse than it might have at 1st appeared for Wales.
Anscombe looked pretty positive when in S15 & can cover f/back as well as fly 1/2 as can Hookey… or just about anywhere else in the back line for that matter.
I know the latter has his detractors & he threw THAT intercept not long ago, but I’ve always thought he too is a positive player & won’t die wondering by going into his shell… like some who keep kicking the lard into the corners for a living.
If Gatland has his tactics & processes right, then players, ought to slot in these provided that they have enough practice at doing so.
Wales will need to tighten their ‘D’ though as May wandered through unopposed & they’ll also need to dominate the breakdown. Maybe with 2 No. 7s? Tuperic?