George injury news 'better than first feared'

Lleucu George has been Wales' first choice fly-half since the retirement of Elinor Snowsill in 2023

WXV2: Wales v Japan

Venue: Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town Date: Friday, 11 October Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer, live text on BBC Sport website & app

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham says fly-half Lleucu George's knee injury as not as serious as initially feared.

George was helped off the pitch after falling awkwardly in a tackle during the final moments of Wales' 8-5 defeat to Italy last weekend.

She has flown home from Cape Town for treatment, ruling her out of Wales' final WXV2 game against Japan on Friday.

"The scans returned better news than we first feared and it's not too bad," said Cunningham.

"Hopefully it won't be too much [time out], maybe three to four weeks."

Kayleigh Powell will start at 10 against Japan in George's absence, with 71-capped Robyn Wilkins called up as a replacement.

Cunningham said Powell, who represented Team GB sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics, offers something different and he is excited to see what she brings.

"She is a different type of player to Lleucu, she's a ball runner but can distribute as well close to the line, which is exciting," he said.

"We are looking forward to seeing how she goes from the off and how she manages the game, how she controls our territory and possession.

"That's where we want answers on Kayleigh."

Powell is one of three changes to Wales' starting XV as they look to end a winless campaign on a high.

If they fail to beat Japan they are likely to be relegated into the bottom tier of WXV.