RBP Rugby World Cup Injury Report: Week 2

Another week, another list of crucial players rendered unavailable to Wales. Scott Williams and Hallam Amos are out for the remainder of the tournament, while Liam Williams remains in the squad, which would indicate he will be back. Gatland has called up Gloucester fly half James Hook, who gives Gatland plenty of options with his versatility, and Gareth Anscombe. This means we are more likely to see Hook seeing time at fullback or center, to give Wales options.

Australia also suffered a few knocks, with Wycliff Palu re-injuring his hamstring and Will Skelton suffering a shoulder injury, but both are relatively minor injuries, and they should be ready for their crucial Pool A match against England on Saturday.

England may have to live without Courtney Lawes for that match, while it looks as though Ben Morgan and Ben Youngs will be ready to go for the vital clash with Australia. Stuart Lancaster has called up the in form Nick Easter to replace Billy Vunipola. It would also appear that Jonathan Joseph will not be ready to play Australia.

Ireland fans can no longer be smug on the injury front, as it looks like fullback Rob Kearney will not be ready to go for the 6 Nations rematch with Italy. He should be ok for the fixture with France however, which is good news for Joe Schmidt’s side.

Sadly, Jean De Villiers has suffered a broken jaw, meaning he will be unavailable for the rest of the tournament, and has subsequently announced his retirement from the international game. This is a major loss for not only South Africa, but all of the rugby world, and we at RBP offer JDV all the best in his recovery.