Wales epic World Cup win over England has come at a huge price with backs Scott Williams and Hallam Amos forced out of the tournament through injury.
They have been replaced by utility back James Hook, a member of the squad that reached the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, and fly-half Gareth Anscombe.
"Scott Williams (knee) and Amos (shoulder) have sustained injuries that will preclude them from taking further part in the tournament," the team statement said.
Liam Williams, who was concussed in the 28-25 victory, will not be considered for Wales' next match against Fiji in Cardiff on Thursday.
Williams suffered the concussion when England flanker Tom Wood's shin connected with his head as the Englishman attempted to hack the ball upfield
Wood got the all clear earlier on Monday from the citing commissioner, only receiving a warning so he is able to play in the must win game against Australia on Saturday -- leaving Wales attack coach Rob Howley to handle the matter diplomatically.
"We've got Fiji on Thursday. We move on," Wales attack coach Rob Howley said.
"We trust the citing commission, the protocol has been passed, he's (Wood) available to play on the weekend against Australia so we move on and concentrate on ourselves against Fiji."
The departures of Amos and Williams are just the latest loss of key personnel to hit the Wales camp.
They lost fullback Leigh Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb to injury before the World Cup started, centre Cory Allen was sidelined after their opening 54-9 win over Uruguay while Jonathan Davies was ruled out earlier this year after suffering a serious injury playing for his French club Clermont.
"It's a blow to lose another two players," Howley said, adding they had been replaced by Wales without the injuries being fully assessed by medical specialists.
But, Howley expected Hook and Anscombe to show "the resilience and character" the team displayed against England.
"In terms of James, vastly experienced, he can play many positions 12, 13, 10 and 15 and obviously Gareth, his experience in Super rugby gives us that ability to play him at 15 as well."
Source: AFP
GMT 10:11 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Russian speed skater An 'banned from Olympics for doping'GMT 15:54 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Unbeaten Garcia title fight with Lipinets moved to MarchGMT 09:22 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Stokes available for England selection despite chargeGMT 14:36 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
Barcelona's Dembele suffers new injury setbackGMT 10:22 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
England's Stokes charged with affray over nightclub fightGMT 15:06 2018 Monday ,15 January
Rock-bottom Cologne shock GladbachGMT 07:37 2018 Sunday ,14 January
Spanish tax authorities scrutinise Messi foundationGMT 06:54 2018 Sunday ,14 January
Del Potro ready for Melbourne despite Auckland lossMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor