Wales have confirmed that Aaron Wainwright is likely to miss Saturday's Nations Championship clash with the All Blacks in Cardiff.
The 29-year-old No. 8 was seen wearing a protective boot on both Monday and Tuesday and took no part in training on Tuesday.
Injury Update from Contact Skills Coach
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, contact skills coach Dan Lydiate confirmed Wainwright was a doubt for the match.
"He picked up a bit of a knock at the weekend," said Lydiate. "I think it's a minor injury."
"He's walking around in a boot at the minute, but that's more precautionary. The medical staff are assessing him and working as quickly as they can to turn him around."
"I don't know if he'll be available this week, but they're doing everything in their power to make sure he is, if they can turn him around."
Wainwright's Importance and Potential Replacement
The 71-cap No. 8 has been a key figure under head coach Steve Tandy, starting in 10 of his 13 matches in charge, including the last seven.
Lydiate admitted the potential absence was a blow but said it would give someone else a chance to step up.
"I don't know how many Test caps he's got for us now, but he's such a leader in terms of his ball-carrying ability," said the former back-row. "He's up there now and he's made a good impact."
"A quality player like Aaron Wainwright is a loss when he's not available for us, but it gives someone else another chance."
"Touch wood, we've been lucky that Wainwright has been quite robust over many years, given the position he plays. Like anyone, you want your best players on the field."
"Teams in England have obviously looked to scout him, as they have some of our other world-class players, because they want our best players."
"He could potentially be a loss, but if that's the case, it'll give someone else an opportunity. You never know, we might find the next Aaron Wainwright."
Taine Basham is set to start in his place, with his last Wales cap coming over two years ago and his last start in the 2022 Six Nations. Having begun the season strongly at No. 8 for Cardiff, he would make only his second Test start at the back of the scrum, having previously done so against Fiji in 2021.
