Wales will receive a significant lift with the anticipated return of Dan Biggar for their upcoming Rugby World Cup quarter-final next week.
Unfortunately, the Toulon No. 10 will be absent from Wales’ final Pool C match this weekend against Georgia due to a chest muscle injury, with Gareth Anscombe stepping in as his replacement.
Given Wales’ assured qualification for the quarter-finals following their impressive 40-6 victory over Australia, this change in the lineup was a possibility regardless of whether the 33-year-old was fit or not.
“I generally feel pretty good on the injury front. I’ve trained on my own and am now doing a little bit with the team again,” said Biggar, who was speaking to the Mail Online
“If it was the quarter-finals this weekend I may have rushed back to play but as we have hopefully got a bit of lee-way with our Pool results, we’ve saved it and not pushed it for this weekend.
“I should be back doing full training next week. I’m looking forward to being back out there with the lads.’
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Nigel Owens ranks his six best all-time World Cup players
#6. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Scottish rugby sensation and fullback, Hogg, was known for his electric pace and dazzling runs. A British and Irish Lion, he was a crucial figure for Scotland and Exeter Chiefs prior to his retirement last month.
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting.”
#5. Shane Williams (Wales)
Welsh rugby wizard, Williams dazzled with his speed and try-scoring ability. The diminutive winger remains an icon of Welsh rugby, thrilling fans worldwide.
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”