Tuesday Round-Up

Gatland waits on injured: Wales head coach Warren Gatland faces an anxious week ahead of next weekend’s clash with South Africa in Cardiff, as his side look to close out their November Series with a much needed win. A trio of frontline members of his back line are currently in the treatment room, with young prop Nicky Smith also potentially in line for time on the sidelines, after suffering a pectoral injury. In terms of the backline, Northampton Saints winger George North is undergoing concussion protocol to determine his availability, having shipped a heavy knock last weekend, while scrum half Rhys Webb also faces a race against time to recover from a slight groin strain. According to Welsh assistant coach Rob Howley, fullback Leigh Halfpenny should be available for the clash with Heyneke Meyer’s Springboks, despite taking a blow to the shoulder against the All Blacks on Saturday. Wales remain hopeful of rounding off their poor Autumn campaign with a win against one of the big three sides from south of the equator.

Jackson blow: Ulster fans are waking up to some bad news on the injury front this morning, as reports emerge that flyhalf Paddy Jackson will be sidelined for six weeks minimum. Jackson, who has not been involved in the Irish international camp this November, as he looks to regain some form and confidence, was playing for Ulster last Friday night, when he sustained an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. The blow came during Ulster’s crucial 25-16 win over Guiness Pro12 leaders the Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium, a win which saw them move level on points with the Ospreys at the summit of the table. According to a brief statement released by Ulster, Jackson will be out for around six weeks, including this weekend’s forthcoming trip to Munster.

Ryan Sheady