Wales on injury alert

Wales are keeping close tabs on a mounting injury toll as they prepare to face Namibia in their Pool D match at Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth on Monday.

The back row is causing the biggest concern, with flanker Danny Lydiate the most recent casualty in Sunday's 17-10 victory over Samoa.

He suffered ankle ligament damage and team doctors are uncertain when he will be able to resume training.

There is also concern over the fitness of full-back James Hook, who was replaced at half-time in the same game with an injury to his AC joint.

But it was not all gloomy news, with number 8 Ryan Jones, who was carrying a calf injury at the start of the tournament, back in training.

"You saw Ryan (Jones) being put through his paces on the other side of the field today," said Wales forward coach Robyn McBride. "We don't think he's too far away."

Despite McBride's optimism, Wales are keeping an eye on what is happening in their domestic competition in case reinforcements are required to bolster the squad.

"We don't think we're down to the bare bones yet, but we're watching things at home," McBride said. "We are taking stock but not rushing into any decision.

Jones on comeback

"We've got to be realistic. If we pick up any injuries on Monday, we might have to reassess."
On the positive side, it's almost business as usual for fly half Stephen Jones, who is homing in on a return to the starting XV.

"I'm delighted to be back training with the guys and, hopefully, it won't be a big step slotting back in," he said. "I look forward to getting up to speed with all the team game plans."

Jones has earned 100 caps for Wales and, if he plays against Namibia, he will eclipse Gareth Thomas as his country's most-capped player.

"First thing's first, I just want to be integrated into the squad again," Jones said.

The Wales squad went through a lengthy and physical training session at Beetham Park in Hamilton on Wednesday that was open to fans.

Delighted fans

And Welsh supporters, some who had travelled from the northern hemisphere, were delighted to get a first-hand look at how their players were progressing.

David Jones, from Flintshire in North Wales, drove from Whitianga at the top of the Coromandel Peninsula.

"It's good for fans to get access to things like this. It makes it more special," he said.
Dawn Daniels moved from Wrexham to Hamilton in 2005, but her heart is still with the family she left behind.

"I made a sign that read, 'Hello to Mum in Wrexham' for the game (against Samoa) on Sunday. I really wanted to get on TV," she said.

Dawn's son, Thomas, was dressed in a dragon's head and draped in the Welsh flag for the occasion.

"It's quite emotional. I can't remember the last time I was surrounded by so many Welsh people," she said.