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Shane Williams is on course to recover

28th September 2011

Wales say Shane Williams is on course to recover from his thigh strain in time for their final World Cup Pool D match against Fiji on Sunday.
Williams, Wales's record try-scorer, missed Monday's 81-7 win over Namibia but is back running in training.

Flanker Dan Lydiate (ankle) and back James Hook (shoulder) will miss the Hamilton clash but remain on course should Wales reach the quarter-finals.
"Shane is recovering well," said Wales medical manager Prav Mathema.

"He is back up and running and we are pleased with his progress. The next 48 hours will be essential in determining whether he may be available to us this weekend."
Dragons back-row Lydiate, who injured his ankle during Wales' 17-10 win over Samoa, also remains on target to return in the next fortnight.
Mathema added: "Dan is now back running again after suffering an ankle ligament strain in the Samoa game.

"He has been incredibly diligent with his rehab and his self-management and, as a consequence, has given himself every opportunity to be available for selection within the next two weeks.
"He still has a number of stages to complete but we are confident he will continue to make a swift recovery."
Hook was also injured against Samoa, coming off at half-time after damaging his shoulder at full-back.

Mathema said: "James has been extremely thorough with his rehabilitation and is recovering well from the joint injury to his shoulder.
"We are hoping to integrate him into full training towards the start of next week."
The Wales camp says no "new significant injury problems" have emerged ahead of the Fiji game.

Ryan Jones returned to Wales's back row against Namibia after a long-term calf problem and, despite complaining the muscle felt "tight" after the game, should also be available for selection.
Unless Samoa pull off a shock win over South Africa on Friday, victory over Fiji will guarantee Wales a quarter-final spot - probably against Ireland on 8 October in Wellington.
Even a bonus point in defeat would likely prove enough for Wales in the final permutations, although the picture will become clearer once the Springboks have tackled Samoa.
Hook started Wales's first two matches at full-back despite his preferred position being fly-half, but youngster Rhys Priestland has impressed in the stand-off role.

Priestland's Scarlets team-mate Stephen Jones was handed the 10 jersey against Namibia after recovering from a calf problem.
He celebrated his 101st and record cap by kicking 15 points.

Leigh Halfpenny impressed at full-back after replacing Hook against Samoa but the Cardiff Blue played in his more usual wing position against Namibia, allowing specialist full-back Lee Byrne to take the 15 shirt after overcoming his own injury problems.

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