George North injury

Wales are hopeful George North will be fit for Wales' second Test against Australia in Melbourne on 16 June.

The Scarlets wing was replaced after 31 minutes of the first Test defeat in Brisbane and immediately had an ice pack put on a dead leg.

James Hook came on at full-back, with Leigh Halfpenny moving to the wing.

That could be an option for the second Test if North's knock does not respond to treatment during the week, but he will be assessed further on Sunday.

Wales also have a midweek match against the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday in Canberra (1030 BST kick-off), where some of the second string will hope to impress caretaker coach Rob Howley.
Wales also lost centre Scott Williams to the sidelines after a sickening clash of heads with Wallaby hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau midway through the second half in Brisbane.

The Scarlets player needed stitches to a mouth wound but Wales are also hopeful Williams will be fit for selection for the second Test.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18379304

dead leg?

Last time he had one of them was against Australia in the AI and he was out for the Scarlets for a month.

He won't be fit for the 2nd test, or put it this way, he may not be fully fit, so Wales better blydi not pick him if he's not even 80%

At least it was just stitches for Scott and not a broken jaw as suspected!

A dead leg can heal after a week, he should be back for the third test. I got a feeling he is another that will be needing an operation after the series though.

At the time I saw him with the ice on his thigh area it was clear it was a dead leg. It should heal for next weekend, just protect him during the week and he should be fine. I would take an 80% North next saturday and risk him. Its a must win and I would rather him on the field than off it.

Good news if S.Williams and North are available.

Anyone know if the Brumbies game will be available anywhere?

Halfpenny looks far better on the wing than at fullback, surely North wouldn't be that big a loss?

The Great Aukster wrote:Halfpenny looks far better on the wing than at fullback, surely North wouldn't be that big a loss?

Yes he would!

We would end up with Hook at FB!

Halfpenny is a better FB, his defence at the back has been crucial for Wales this year.

I prefer Halfpenny on the wing to fullback but we haven't got many fullback options. I don't like Hook playing there, maybe Priestland at 15 and Hook at 10.
Either way Id rather North is fit and plays.

Whether or not anyone prefers Halfpenny on the wing doesn't matter as long as Hook is fullback cover. He showed today that he has no clue how to defend from fullback. His positioning, tackling and decision making were all awful!

Bring Liam Williams in to full back with halfpenny on the wing. Sorted

mckay1402 wrote:Bring Liam Williams in to full back with halfpenny on the wing. Sorted

Agree. No more Hook at full back please. Liam may be raw but I think he has great prospects and I'd prefer him any day at full back. And whilst Halfpenny has done a fine job at full back I still think wing is his best position.

Lee Byrne is also an option, he is used to big games and might be an asset at fullback if north is not fit.

Norths style means he is always likely to pick up injuries the way the modern game is played. Wales need to develop permanent cover for him.

If Byrne was out there already I'd agree but can't see them flying him out and playing him in a test match within a week.

Cadair Idris wrote:If Byrne was out there already I'd agree but can't see them flying him out and playing him in a test match within a week.

Yep, probably not going to happen

They should have flown him out immediately after Clermont lost the T14 SF last week - Far more useful than Brew.

wales606 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:Halfpenny looks far better on the wing than at fullback, surely North wouldn't be that big a loss?

Yes he would!

We would end up with Hook at FB!

Halfpenny is a better FB, his defence at the back has been crucial for Wales this year.

Halfpenny's defence at full back is a dam sight better than Hooks any day.

Did you not see Hooks half hearted attempt on Genia?

Halfpenny would not of missed him that easy. that is foor sure.

majesticimperialman wrote:

wales606 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:Halfpenny looks far better on the wing than at fullback, surely North wouldn't be that big a loss?

Yes he would!

We would end up with Hook at FB!

Halfpenny is a better FB, his defence at the back has been crucial for Wales this year.

Halfpenny's defence at full back is a dam sight better than Hooks any day.

Did you not see Hooks half hearted attempt on Genia?

Halfpenny would not of missed him that easy. that is foor sure.

Ummm...thats what I said.