Wales v Australia: Samson Lee set to miss out as fly-half Rhys Patchell improves
- Published
Fly-half Rhys Patchell and tight-head Samson Lee appear set to miss Wales' clash with Australia in Cardiff
Under Armour Series: Wales v Australia |
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Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 10 November Kick-off: 17:20 GMT |
Coverage: Live on BBC Two, S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales prop Samson Lee is set to miss Saturday's Test against Australia because of a hamstring injury.
Outside-half Rhys Patchell is available after passing concussion tests but defence coach Shaun Edwards says he needs longer to prove his fitness.
On Monday Wales announced Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins was fit after recovering from a shoulder injury.
"Ellis is looking favourable for selection, I am not sure about the other two," confirmed Edwards.
In Lee's absence, Wales would turn to Dillon Lewis and Tomas Francis to battle it out for the tight-head prop berth.
"You want all your players to be fit and available," added Edwards.
"I was incredibly impressed with Dillon Lewis at the weekend around the park as well.
"Samson is a very strong scrummager. Thankfully we have Tomas Francis fit as well and we are pretty strong in that area."
Wales are set to be cautious over Patchell who has not played for a month after suffering another head injury while playing for Scarlets against Ospreys.
Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar is available for selection at fly-half after missing the 21-10 win over Scotland, when Gareth Anscombe started at number 10.
"We have got a wealth of riches in that position," added Edwards.
"I know it is the glamour position in Wales. There is a big decision and we will weigh that up over the next 48 hours."
Openside Jenkins led Wales along with co-captain Cory Hill, on the summer tour against Argentina and South Africa.
Dan Lydiate, Ross Moriarty and man-of-the-match Justin Tipuric were the starting back-row trio against Scotland and impressed in a strong defensive effort.
Australia include open-sides Michael Hooper and David Pocock in their back-row and former Wales captain Gwyn Jones believes Jenkins should start against Australia.
"If Ellis was fit I would probably play him," said Jones.
Hooker Ken Owens is fit after suffering a broken nose against Scotland following a collision with Ryan Wilson.