Wainwright gives Wales injury scare for All Blacks

Number eight Aaron Wainwright has emerged as a major injury concern for Wales' Nations Championship game against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

The 29-year-old picked up a leg injury and has since been seen in a protective boot. He did not train on Tuesday.

Head coach Steve Tandy will name his team on Thursday and the absence of the former Dragons player would be a major blow.

Wainwright started in the 28-21 victory against Japan last Saturday and was the most experienced forward in the squad.

The Leicester number eight, who was winning his 71st cap, is also Wales' most effective forward ball-carrier.

New Zealand wing Will Jordan will miss the game because of a hamstring injury but centre Jordie Barrett is available for selection to face Wales after passing his head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.

Recalled Taine Basham would be the leading contender to replace Wainwright on Saturday, with Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree providing the other option in the squad.

Basham was rewarded with a squad call-up having been the form number eight in Welsh domestic rugby this season.

The Cardiff number eight has not played for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations, while his previous start to that was in 2022.

After the All Blacks match, Wales will host Australia on 21 November, before the Nations Championship finals weekend at the end of the month, hosted by the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham.

Wales currently lie fifth out of sixth in the northern hemisphere table after two wins from four matches.

Wales assistant coach Dan Lydiate says Wainwright has not been completely ruled out yet but accepts he could miss the weekend's action.

"He picked up a bit of a knock, it's a minor injury and he's walking around in a boot at the minute, but it's more precautionary," said Lydiate.

"We've been lucky enough with Wainwright that he's been quite robust over the years. The medical staff are working as quick as they can to turn him around.

"I don't know if he'll be available this week, but they're doing everything in their power to make sure he is."

Lydiate recognised the significance of Wainwright's potential absence but backs the squad's depth.

"He's such a leader in terms of his ball-carrying ability and a quality player like Aaron is a potential loss because you want your best players on the field," said Lydiate

"If that is the case, it will give someone else an opportunity, and you never know, we might find the next Aaron Wainwright."