Wainwright gives Wales injury scare for All Blacks

Wainwright gives Wales injury scare for All Blacks

Number eight Aaron Wainwright is a major Wales concern for the Nations Championship game against New Zealand on Saturday in Cardiff.

Number eight Aaron Wainwright has emerged as a major injury concern for Wales' Nations Championship game against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

The 29-year-old picked up a leg injury and has since been seen in a protective boot. He did not train on Tuesday.

Head coach Steve Tandy will name his team on Thursday and the absence of the former Dragons player would be a major blow.

Wainwright started in the 28-21 victory against Japan last Saturday and was the most experienced forward in the squad.

The Leicester number eight, who was winning his 71st cap, is also Wales' most effective forward ball-carrier.

New Zealand wing Will Jordan will miss the game because of a hamstring injury but centre Jordie Barrett is available for selection to face Wales after passing his head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.

Smiling Rees-Zammit has no fear of All Blacks

Recalled Taine Basham would be the leading contender to replace Wainwright on Saturday, with Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree providing the other option in the squad.

Basham was rewarded with a squad call-up having been the form number eight in Welsh domestic rugby this season.

The Cardiff number eight has not played for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations, while his previous start to that was in 2022.

In brief

Number eight Aaron Wainwright has emerged as a major injury concern for Wales' Nations Championship game against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday. The Leicester number eight, who was winning his 71st cap, is also Wales' most effective forward ball-carrier. New Zealand wing Will Jordan will miss the game because of a hamstring injury but centre Jordie Barrett is available for selection to face Wales after passing his head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to BBC Sport. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

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