Gareth Anscombe could be set to miss the 2015 World Cup through injury.
The Kiwi-born utility back had looked likely to be included in Warren Gatland’s 31 man squad after impressing for Wales off the bench against Ireland.
Yet it appears he faces a battle to be fit in time after damaging his ankle ligaments in training.
The 24-year-old Cardiff Blues pivot has remained with the squad as he undergoes further assessment in the coming days.
A WRU spokesman told Wales Online,
Gareth did pick up an ankle injury in training last week and he is continuing to be assessed at the moment
The injury comes as a blow to Anscombe who had seemingly secured a place in Gatland’s squad following the axing of James Hook following the opening warm-up match against Ireland.
It would appear that Anscombe would not be available for the start of the World Cup and it is unlikely that Gatland will include a player in his squad who will miss a part of it – even a player he worked so hard to bring to the country in the first place.
Anscombe, who qualifies to play for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, had been plying his trade in his native New Zealand when Gatland helped instigate a move to the Blues with the long-term intention of being Wales’ starting fly-half.
But the form of Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland – a favourite of Gatland – has left him third in the pecking order following the move from down under.
And with his selection now under threat, thoughts turn to who Gatland will pick in his squad.
Bristol fly-half Matthew Morgan has impressed in training and reports suggest that if Gatland went with 14 backs, then the diminutive Morgan, known as Nipper, would be in.
But with Anscombe’s injury, the likelihood is that Morgan – who currently appears to be scraping in as an impact full-back – will be third choice fly-half.
Which leave the question of who makes the squad as 14th back – or 18th forward if Gatland goes for an 18/13 split?
At the moment it would appear that Alex Cuthbert, Hallam Amos and Eli Walker are fighting for two positions – one if only 13 backs travel.
Cuthbert’s finishing at test level and Amos’ versatility put them in pole position but Walker has electric pace and a wicked step and to rule him out at this stage would be foolish.
If Gatland takes 18 forwards, then it is likely he will take both Scott Andrews and Aaron Jarvis to cover the tighthead prop position.
Alternatively, he could take four locks and still keep James King with the backrower looking set to cover the second row should Gatland go with three.
However, Gatland chooses to fill his squad. should Anscombe miss out through injury, it will be a desperate shame for both player and country.
