Warren Gatland may have to face France on Saturday without his star fly-half Rhys Priestland.
The Scarlets starlet was hugely impressive against Ireland but a shoulder injury sustained in the final few minutes of that quarter-final left him with his left arm in a sling on Sunday and Monday and Gatland is leaving his selection until Thursday to give the 24-year-old time to recover for the semi-final showdown.
If he does miss out, Stephen Jones or James Hook – neither bad replacements in fairness – can step in.
“I would be there if needed and selected,” said Hook, who was complimentary about his young rival. “Rhys has taken his chance superbly, and he fully deserves the credit he has been having.
“The young players spur you on with the energy they bring in training and off the field. The older boys are feeding off that, which is good and healthy for the team.”
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