Wales are lifted by Lee Byrne return
Welsh full-back Lee Byrne could be fit to face South Africa on Saturday 13 November in Cardiff.
The British and Irish Lion has recovered quicker than expected after breaking a bone in his hand.
It was believed that Byrne would miss at least three of the Autumn Internationals, but the full-back now looks likely to start against the Springboks.
Byrne broke the third metacarpal bone in his right hand during the Ospreys 31-23 defeat to the Glasgow Warriors last month.
The news of the player’s recovery will come as a massive boost to Welsh coach Warren Gatland who was forced to start versatile centre James Hook in the full-back position due to injuries to Byrne and Leigh
Halfpenny.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Gatland said, "We are hoping that Lee Byrne could be back and be available.”
Gatland will face a different type of challenge to Wales’ 16-25 Test defeat to Australia, but if Byrne is passed fit the Welsh coach will hope that he can attack a weak South African back line that is
missing a number of key players.
“South Africa are world champions. They play a completely different way to Australia, and it's all about recovering now before another big, intense game next weekend," said Gatland.
If Byrne returns, Hook is expected to take up one of the midfield positions and may be partnered by Tom Shanklin.
The Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, Roger Lewis hinted that the full-back should be fit enough to be included in the team.
Byrne took part in a pre-match photo shoot at the Millennium Stadium and it appears that the player will start.
Speaking to BBC Wales Today, Lewis said there's going to be a few surprises, which I think you've captured. Lee Byrne is here so it's going to be good."
Byrne’s ability in the loose and his kicking game will give the Welsh an added dimension as they take on South Africa.
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