Reports in Wales suggest that head coach Wayne Pivac is set to shun both Gareth Anscombe and Dan Biggar for the starting flyhalf spot in the team to face the Springboks on Saturday.
WalesOnline.co.za has named a likely Wales team that will face the Springboks, anticipating that five changes will be made to the starting lineup from the side that suffered a record-equalling 54-16 home defeat by New Zealand.
Injuries and illness, in addition to absences caused by the Test window, meant Wales were without 20 players for their match against the All Blacks.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and flank Ross Moriarty then joined the casualty list when they each suffered shoulder injuries before half time this past Saturday.
Biggar, who was unavailable for Saturday’s Test, also may have joined the injury list as he limped off while playing for the Northampton Saints in the English Premiership.
Among the five changes, Rhys Priestland has been backed to face the Boks ahead of Biggar and Anscombe, who started against the All Blacks.
“Pivac said he thought Priestland played exceptionally when he came on against the All Blacks and he certainly didn’t look like someone who had been away from the international stage for four [years],” the website said.
“He brought tactical control and his grubber kick for Johnny Williams’ try was beautifully weighted.
“So he looks to have gone ahead of Gareth Anscombe in the pecking order and may well be rewarded with the No 10 jersey despite Dan Biggar arriving from Northampton.”
Alun Wyn Jones has been backed to recover from his shoulder injury and lead Wales out against the Boks, with Will Rowlands listed as his potential replacement if he is ruled out.
The potential team also has fullback Liam Williams and wing Louis Rees-Zammit starting after both missed Saturday’s Test against New Zealand.
Photo: Photo: @WelshRugbyUnion
