Gethin Jenkins and Stephen Jones likely to make a comeback for Wales - Rugby World Cup
The Welsh duo of Gethin Jenkins and Stephen Jones, which was rested from their first clash of Rugby World Cup 2011 against the Springboks, is likely to be lined up against Samoa on September 18, in Hamilton. The pair missed the opening clash due to a common
calf injury and they are expected to make a comeback on Sunday. The medical performance manager of the Welsh Rugby Union, Prav Mathema, told the media on September 13 that the injured pair will be assessed in this weekend’s training session for their inclusion
in the playing squad.
Jenkins and Jones are seasoned campaigners for Wales and have been representing their national side for a number of years.
Gethin Jenkins made his international debut in 2002 and has earned 74 test caps for his side. The 30-year-old prop has enjoyed a great time with his national side and reached the glory of his career in 2005 when he played a key role to win a grand slam for
Wales. He was rated as one the greatest influencing player of Wales for his tremendous contributions to national team.
The other injured player, Jones, who is also expected to make his maiden run in this global showpiece against Samoa, is the most test capped player on his side with exactly 100 under his belt. The veteran fly-half has scored 889 points for his team since
he made his international debut in 1998.
Talking about the possible return of the injured pair in the up coming RWC encounter, Mathema said that, “Both Stephen and Gethin will be fully integrated into the training programme this week and, if they come through the periods of high intensity training,
we would expect to make them both available to the selectors ahead of this weekend's game.”
The medical performance manager of WRU further said that, “We have been fortunate on the injury front and come through the South Africa game relatively unscathed with just a few minor bumps and bruises to contend with.”
Earlier, Wales lost their first match of Rugby World Cup 2011 to South Africa by a narrow margin of 16-17 on September 11.
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