Wales tighthead prop Tomas Francis has been ruled out of the remainder of the Nations Championship after picking up a knee injury in training. The 34-year-old had been expected to start against New Zealand this week but will now play no further part in the autumn, having been released back to his club, Sale Sharks.
Cardiff prop Keiron Assiratti has been called up as a replacement. Bath prop Archie Griffin, fresh from his first Test try, keeps his place in the starting team to face New Zealand, with Dragons tighthead Dillon Lewis providing cover on the bench.
Francis reflects on Test return
Earlier this week, Francis, who returned to Test rugby earlier this year after a two-and-a-half-year absence, spoke about reaching a fourth World Cup. "You never think far ahead and I was happy to get one cap then," said Francis about making his first global tournament in 2015. "You just keep trying to improve and stay in that competition for the jersey. So now a [fourth World Cup], is a great carrot to have."
Having been given the summer off as he returned from France to head back to the Gallagher Prem, Francis had been brought back into the fold by Tandy. "The rugby's been good, there's some world-class players there," said Francis this week. "The environment's a bit different to the second division in France in that respect, but I've enjoyed it. The results haven't gone for us yet, but it's a new team. There are exciting youngsters there and they've also brought in some old heads. Hopefully we can kick on when we click."
Further injury blow for Wales
Francis is not the only injury blow Wales have suffered this week. No. 8 Aaron Wainwright has been ruled out with a calf injury, although it is not expected to keep him out for the rest of the autumn campaign. Earlier this week, Dan Lydiate described the Leicester back-row wearing a protective boot as "precautionary".
It has handed Taine Basham his first Wales start in over four years. "I'm delighted that Taine gets an opportunity this weekend," said Tandy. "It's been a while since his last appearance for Wales but he didn't give up and has put in a lot of dedication and hard work to get back. The way he's been playing for Cardiff has been great and I'm excited to see him go on Saturday."
