Wales have confirmed that they believe both Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes will be fit in time for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Japan.
It is a huge boost for a Welsh team that are looking to progress to the final and be in with a chance of lifting their first ever Webb Ellis Cup.
Davies’ was a noticeable absentee during his side’s narrow 20-19 victory over France in the quarter-finals, showing his importance to the team as they seemed to lack a certain amount of leadership without him. Meanwhile his centre partner Parkes has been playing despite having a broken bone in his hand and a shoulder injury.
However, Wales’ skills coach Neil Jenkins has full confidence that both will be available come Sunday.
“I think they will be (ok to play). As the week progresses, they will go through what they need to go through, they will train with us as normal, and I would like to think they will take a full part in training this week, and obviously make themselves available for selection on Sunday. These games don’t come around very often. I think sometimes, even if your leg is hanging off, you need to strap it yourself to get yourself right. I am sure they will do that this week,” he said.
In Davies’ absence Owen Watkin stepped in and Jenkins believes that he did his job on the day but recognised that Davies is a key man to the team and that he will be needed if they are to stand a chance against the Boks.
“It’s an important game on Sunday and we need all hands on deck to get through that match. Owen stepped up, he has been there before for us. He is an exceptional talent and did pretty well. But Jon is a world class player and you need your world class players fit and hopefully he will be available for selection. We will see how it goes this week,” he added.
Wales could do with a bit of luck after seeing Josh Navidi’s tournament ended after Sunday’s clash due to a hamstring injury. However, instead of bringing in another back-rower to replace him they decided to bring in back Owen Lane as a precaution should one of their centres be ruled out.
The hope will be that they will be at full-strength come the weekend as they prepare to face off against one of the most powerful international side’s on the planet. With both Parkes and Davies strong in defence their presence is vital as the men in red look to march on to the grand finale.
