Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas has confirmed flyhalf Dan Biggar has recovered from a pectoral muscle strain in time to face Argentina in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday; There is also encouraging news on the recovery for Gareth Anscombe and Liam Williams.
Last updated: 10/10/23 2:29 p.m.
Dan Biggar was forced off injured during Wales’ win over Australia.
Dan Biggar will be fit to play in Wales’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina on Saturday.
The fly-half went off after just 12 minutes of the record 40-6 win over Australia during an unbeaten march into Pool C, suffering a pulled pectoral muscle.
Biggar was an unused substitute for the game against Georgia last weekend, having been rushed to the bench when Sam Costelow was called up to start in place of an injured Gareth Anscombe.
But when asked if the 33-year-old was fit to face the Pumas in Marseille, Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas replied: “Yes.”
There is also encouraging news regarding Anscombe and full-back Liam Williams.
Anscombe withdrew 45 minutes before kick-off against Georgia with a groin problem, while Williams was on crutches after suffering a knock to the knee.
These problems came on top of No. 8 Taulupe Faletau breaking his arm and being ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
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Ellie Roper previews the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between England and Fiji and James Cole reports from Toulon ahead of Wales v Argentina
“At this point, everything looks positive,” Thomas said of Anscombe and Williams. “Every day the situation will evolve. It is probably not as serious as initially feared.
“The thing with the crutches was to try to relieve any pressure. It doesn’t mean he (Williams) did anything serious. He was jogging today with the doctors.
“I saw him (Anscombe) running on the pitch, with Liam today. The first 48 hours after getting a knock are very important in terms of assessment. With Liam and Gareth, it’s quite positive.
“I’m not committing to saying they’ll definitely be available. It’s an ongoing thing. They were both running today with the doctors, and they’ll try to improve every day.”
Gareth Anscombe is progressing well in his recovery
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday, with Aaron Wainwright expected to move from the blindside flank to replace Faletau.
This could then mean that captain Jac Morgan would wear the number six jersey and Tommy Reffell would start at flyhalf, although Dan Lydiate and Christ Tshiunza could also be options in the back row.
“There was definitely a little cloud over the win (against Georgia) because of what happened to Taulupe,” Thomas said.
“We’ve been together a long time as a group, and you build relationships and become a bit like family. When one of your brothers has to leave, it’s hard.
Taulupe Faletau’s World Cup ended with a broken arm
“That’s the way it is. You have to deal with it and you have to move on. That’s sport and its harsh reality.”
Wales will face Argentina for the first time in a World Cup match since 1999, and they will start favorites having picked up 19 points from a possible 20 in their group.
Argentina, on the other hand, lost to England, reduced to 14, and was unconvincing against Samoa, before qualifying by beating Japan.
“For us, as a collective, our goal from day one has been to get to knockout rugby,” Thomas said. “We made it, but we didn’t just make it to the quarter-finals.
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Highlights from Argentina’s vital win over Samoa with Emiliano Boffelli scoring 16 points to put them on course for a quarter-final place.
“When you get to this stage, any team in their era can beat anyone. There are quality teams and players in the last eight.
“I thought they (Argentina) looked more consistent in their last game against Japan in terms of attack.
“If you win your first game in the Six Nations, the momentum is huge, and it’s the same with the World Cup. At that stage, every team will feel confident and feel like they have the momentum on his side.”