"He doesn't have a fracture" – Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys is hopeful that Aaron Wainwright will play against Italy
Today at 08:12 AM
Aaron Wainwright has not been ruled out of selection for Wales' trip to Rome on Saturday for the second round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations. Wainwright left the field of play last Friday evening after just four minutes of being on there, but he didn't suffer a fracture or concussion.
Another player who left the encounter at the Stade de France early last week was Owen Watkin, and Wales' forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys admitted that the 28-year-old "is definitely out" of the Azzurri clash. However, Taulupe Faletau could make his first start of the Championship after being unavailable last week due to a knee issue.
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"We are still monitoring them and hopeful, and in the next sort of 24 hours, we can make a definite decision on that," said Humphreys, sitting out in the Cote d'Azur's sunshine.
"The main issue was a fracture. He (Wainwright) doesn’t have that fracture, so we are pretty hopeful he will be available.
"He had an unbelievable gash, he’s a tough kid and he’s like I’ll be all right, they can just stitch me back up, but it’s a pretty bad gash.
"He’s got eight days to turn around (before the Italy match), so we are hopeful especially since he’s desperate to play."
After the 43-0 loss against France to kick off their Six Nations, Wales have remained in France as they prepare for Italy in Nice. They have used the Pro D2 side, Stade Nicous Rugby Stadium, the Stade Marcel Volot as their base.
"It's beautiful," insisted Humphreys. "It allows you to train outside and get some sun, especially when you see the rain in the UK.
"It's good to go away, close ranks and stick tight together. We can't control the press or what is said about it. All we can do is find something to go after we can hang our hat on and improve from the last game. If we start talking about outcome and pressure, it won't help us.”
Last Friday in the French capital was the first time Wales had failed to score in a competition since 1998. If they lose on Saturday afternoon, it will probably lead to a second successive wooden spoon, and with head coach Warren Gatland only overseeing six wins in 25 Tests during his second stint, Saturday is a make or break for this Welsh side.
On the challenge of facing the Azzurri's at the Stadio Olimpico, Humphreys openly admitted by stating: "I think the difference between a couple of years ago in Rome we had a lot of experience, but we aren't as experienced now.
"Italian rugby has grown a lot, especially defensively and how they go after the ball in the contact area. "Italy are a very difficult team to beat in the Six Nations.
"They are a top quality side. They are very physical in contact metres and concede less metres than everyone else in Test rugby. They have danger men all over the place. The structure and how we want to play will be crucial.
"People say it's a must-win game, but it's international rugby. Every single game is written down in history.
"The pressure doesn't help you or make you perform better. It's about being clear about what we want to achieve.
"We are always trying to win. It's about the process we put in place, executing the management of the game and playing in each area. Every single game is a massive game. Every single one of them is written down in history," Humphreys concluded.
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