Close menu

Wales v South Africa: Wing North to be assessed for concussion

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

George North
George North is helped off during Wales' defeat by New Zealand. The Northampton Saints wing is the only England-based player available to Wales against the Springboks.
Autumn internationals: Wales v South Africa
Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Sat 29 November Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC One HD, online, mobiles and BBC Sport app from 14:00 GMT; commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru; text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobiles

Wales wing George North is being assessed for concussion to see if he can play against South Africa.

North, 22, was taken off the field with a cut above his eye in the 34-16 loss to New Zealand.

Warren Gatland has delayed naming his side to face the Springboks for 48 hours until Thursday, with North one of many fitness concerns.

"The concussion's the thing which could potentially leave him out," said Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards.

Wales are assessing several injuries including scrum-half Rhys Webb, who was taken off against the All Blacks with a groin injury.

"Hopefully he will be available for the weekend," said Wales skills coach Rob Howley.

The Ospreys scrum-half has been in fine form during this autumn series.

Webb, 25, has scored in both matches he has started, against Australia and New Zealand, and Howley has been impressed by the scrum-half and his half-back partner for Wales and Ospreys, Dan Biggar.

"They're developing into a partnership in terms of their understanding, decision-making and accuracy," said Howley.

"Dan Biggar is outstanding in the air and his running game is very good.

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb
Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb scores a try during Wales' 34-16 defeat to New Zealand

"Rhys took his try well [against New Zealand]. The key to those line breaks is creating opportunities from them."

Wales are optimistic prop Gethin Jenkins will also recover from a hamstring injury in time to be in contention for selection.

Scarlets loose-head prop Rob Evans is currently training with the squad following Paul James' return to Bath and Nicky Smith's pectoral muscle injury.

Wales have released Smith back to the Ospreys as a result, while Jenkins returned to full training on Tuesday.

Leigh Halfpenny also took a blow to his shoulder during the loss to the All Blacks, but the Toulon full-back is expected to be fit in time to face South Africa.

"It's not major at this moment in time," said Howley.