Wales waiting on availability of Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris for their semifinal encounter
Wales are still waiting on confirmation of the availability of their injured duo of Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris. The duo sustained shoulder injuries in Wales 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) quarter-final win over Ireland. Wales defeated the Irish squad by 22-10 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday, October 8.
Wales will take on France in the first semi-final of the 2011 RWC on Saturday, October 15 at Eden Park, Auckland. Wales are confident that the injured duo will recover in time for their biggest game of the year.
Luke Charteris left the field at the half-time mark, while Priestland sustained his shoulder injury during the ending moments of the game. Commenting on his injury, Charteris said, “It is pretty sore, but it should be good to go.”
Wales’ skills coach, Neil Jenkins, has expressed his hopes that Priestland will recover in time for their upcoming game. He added that the pair’s fitness will be reassessed in a couple of days time.
The absence of the experienced duo of Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris has dented Wales’ hopes of winning their semi-final clash against the French. Wales last defeated their European rivals, Les Bleus, during the Six Nations tournament, three years ago, in which they ended the campaign with the grand slam win.
Commenting on France, Jenkins added, “Obviously, we know what France are all about. They are a fantastic side and they have beaten us the last three times we played them. We are under no illusions of what is ahead of us.”
Jenkins termed the coming weekend semi-final encounter as his biggest game in the last four years. He expressed his hope that the team will deliver the same level of performance in their weekend encounter. He added that they expect France to fire on all cylinders in the knockout stage game.
However, France with their impressive track record and particularly with their recent surprise win over the England in the quarter-finals, will prove to be a tough customer for the spirited Welsh side.
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