Toby Faletau Injury Leaves Wales Rugby Union Facing Unexpected Challenges Ahead of Quarter-Finals
Key Highlights :
The Wales Rugby Union (WRU) has been dealt a major blow with the news that number eight Toby Faletau has suffered a broken arm and is out of the tournament. Fly-half Anscombe, meanwhile, withdrew 45 minutes before kick-off in Nantes due to a groin injury. These injuries leave the WRU with some unexpected challenges as they prepare for the quarter-finals.
The loss of Faletau is a major blow for Wales. He has been a key player for the team over the years and his presence on the pitch will be sorely missed. Aaron Wainwright is likely to switch across the back-row from blindside flanker for next Saturday’s quarter-final in Marseille. Additionally, full-back Liam Williams was on crutches after the Georgia game following a blow to his knee, but while he could miss training in the early part of this week Wales are hopeful about his quarter-final prospects.
The WRU will now have to decide on a replacement for Faletau. In the meantime, Dan Lydiate and Christ Tshiunza are potential replacements, as well as the option of switching captain Jac Morgan from openside and handing Tommy Reffell the number seven shirt. Humphreys, the Wales assistant coach and forwards specialist, said: “We are blessed with the options that we have, but it still doesn’t detract from fact that Toby has been a massive player for us. Whoever steps in I am sure will step up to the plate.”
Anscombe’s injury meant a late call to the starting line-up for Sam Costelow, while Dan Biggar is continuing his recovery from a pectoral muscle strain and should feature in Marseille. Costelow said: “Those senior boys talking to me, just telling me to do my job and to relax, that was massive for me, especially as a young 10. I am just glad we got the job done.”
The WRU will now have to make some difficult decisions as they prepare for the quarter-finals. With the loss of Faletau and Anscombe, they will have to decide on a replacement and make sure their team is ready to face the challenges ahead. Despite the setback, the team is still hopeful that they can make it to the semi-finals and beyond.
