Despite the euphoria of beating England 28-25 on Saturday evening, Wales have been brought down to earth with a bump after yet more injury problems struck Warren Gatland's camp.
More personnel changes forced upon the Wales management
Centre Scott Williams and versatile back Hallam Amos will play no further part after picking up problems in the game against the English. Williams was stretchered off with a serious looking knee injury and Amos had a suspected dislocated shoulder. Full-back Liam Williams will not feature against Fiji following he was concussed in the dramatic victory. The Scarlets man will be assessed in a bid to be fit for the Australia game.
Gatland has opted to bring in James Hook and Gareth Anscombe as replacements, subject to confirmation and clearance from the Rugby World Cup. The former will feature in his third World Cup should he play in the tournament. Anscombe, 24, made his debut in August and the son of former Ulster coach, Mark, has a background in Super Rugby that will add a certain dynamism to the back-line.
The Welsh had already been without their key man, full-back Leigh Halfpenny, after he was injured in the final warm up game against Italy. Scrum-half Rhys Webb was also ruled out of the World Cup in that match, while the problems at centre have continued to mount. The talismanic figure of Jonathan Davis was a long-term absentee heading into the competition and fellow centre, Cory Allen, couldn't play again after the Uruguay game.
Howley has his say on the additions, injuries and the world rankings
Wales' attacking coach, Rob Howley, is said that they are "delighted to welcome both of them [Hook and Anscome]" into the squad. Howley also spoke about Anscombe with particular praise, "He is a quality player and is up to the speed of playing international rugby having played Super Rugby."
"That’s the nature of the game," he added. The coach was speaking about the squad selection dilemma that the vast amount of injuries have posed: "After losing some of the boys against Italy we said to all the backs you will be asked to play positions you are not familiar with."
Aside from the performance against England, there was another positive to come out of the game. The result propelled them up to second in the world rankings, an all-time high. Howley also commented on the impressive feat, "It shows the dedication over the last 12 months and our away form has been positive. We deserve to be there."
Quote credit to Wales.