Sport : Rugby Union

FITNESS BOOST FOR WALES

13th June 2012, 06:15am

George North: Helped off in the first Test defeat to Australia

George North: Helped off in the first Test defeat to Australia

George North and Scott Williams are set to give Wales a boost ahead of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

Both North (dead leg) and Scarlets team-mate Williams (facial injuries) were helped off during the 27-19 first Test defeat in Brisbane and have been receiving intensive treatment since.

However caretaker coach Rob Howley is confident the duo will now be able to train fully in the next session and be available to him for the weekend.

"Both players trained light on Tuesday morning and we are hoping they will both be able to train fully on Thursday," said Howley. "We have a day off on Wednesday as it is a travel day.

"Touch wood they will both be available for selection for Saturday."

Howley was forced to send on his Brisbane try-scorer, Alex Cuthbert, when Aled Brew injured his hip in Tuesday's 25-15 win over Brumbies, a fixture largely populated by the fringe players.

Cuthbert was himself taken off as a precaution in the second half when he went down in a heavy tackle. Another injury worry would have been a real headache to the Welsh coaches.

"We were cautions sending Alex on," admitted Howley. "He's obviously gone down and it is nothing untoward really and I think he will be fine for selection for the weekend."

Rugby Union Videos

    O'Connell praise for Warburton

    O'Connell praise for Warburton

    21-May-2013

    Sam Warburton is already impressing as British and Irish Lions captain according his predecessor Paul O'Connell.

    Gatland optimistic on O'Brien injury

    Gatland optimistic on O'Brien injury

    20-May-2013

    Lions coach Warren Gatland remains hopeful that Sean O'Brien will be fit for the tour of Australia.

    Warburton - No excuses

    Warburton - No excuses

    20-May-2013

    Sam Warburton insists the British and Irish Lions squad will be ready for their 10-match summer tour despite domestic finals hampering their preparations.

    Cooper left out of Australia squad

    Cooper left out of Australia squad

    19-May-2013

    Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper still has a chance of playing against the Lions despite being left out of the squad.

    Sky Bet

    Facebook Favourites