Wales v Fiji: Dan Biggar's groin injury not as bad as anticipated

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Dan Biggar limps off injured against AustraliaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Dan Biggar started as a half-back partnership with Rhys Webb for the first time in an international against Australia

Autumn internationals: Wales v Fiji

Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Sat 15 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; live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & online; updates on BBC Radio 5 live; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles.

Dan Biggar could return from his groin injury in time for Wales' Tests against New Zealand and South Africa.

The Ospreys fly-half, 25, was taken off during the 33-28 defeat by Australia, prompting Wales to call up James Hook.

In a further boost, centres Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and number eight Dan Baker are all fit again.

"I'd expect Dan to be available, if not for this weekend, then definitely the last two games," said Wales assistant coach Rob Howley.

Regardless how quickly Biggar recovers, he is expected to be rested for Wales' next match against Fiji on Saturday, 15 November.

Howley confirmed there will be changes for that encounter, with Rhys Priestland likely to start at fly-half after replacing the injured Biggar against the Wallabies.

Wales' autumn Tests

Saturday, 8 November: Wales 28-33 Australia - report

Saturday, 15 November: v Fiji (14:30 GMT)

Saturday, 22 November: v New Zealand (17:30 GMT)

Saturday, 29 November: v South Africa (14:30 GMT)

All games to be played at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

"Competition for places is key," said Howley.

"It's nice to have them [Davies, Williams and Baker] back. It's nice to have decisions to make in terms of selections.

"James [Hook] comes in with an open chance [of starting against Fiji]. Rhys [Priestland] will probably start with James possibly on the bench.

"It's nice to have Hooky in the squad, and I'm sure James will want the opportunity to say 'I should have been selected in the squad in the first place'."

Leigh Halfpenny went off against Australia with concussion and is likely to be rested for the Fiji Test, but Howley expects the Toulon full-back to be available for the remaining matches.

Fiji's autumn tour began with a 40-15 defeat by France.

Ex-Wales captain Gareth Thomas has backed Gloucester's 76-times capped fly-half Hook for a Wales place, in the belief Warren Gatland's side need an instinctive playmaker.

Media caption,

Autumn International highlights: Wales 28-33 Australia

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