Wales play cards close to chest over duo

WALES are keeping their cards close to their chest on injured duo Dan Biggar and Dillon Lewis ahead of Saturday’s Test series decider against South Africa in Cape Town.

Defence coach Gethin Jenkins was reluctant to give too much away when he faced the media yesterday, on a day when South Africa announced a much-changed side again for this weekend’s clash.

Jenkins confirmed fly-half and skipper Biggar is being given more time to prove his fitness as he struggles with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend.

Wing Alex Cuthbert is already out of the tour with a shoulder problem.

Jenkins appeared more upbeat about prop Dillon Lewis, who was pictured after the match wearing a sling.

Asked about Lewis’ fitness, he said: “He’s recovered well and hopefully he’ll train Thursday and be back on the field on the weekend.”

Asked if Lewis and Biggar had trained yesterday, he said: “I can’t confirm or deny. I’m not commenting on who trained and who didn’t train today.

“In the grand scheme of things, it’s not overly important.

“We knew that on a Monday and Tuesday we’d be pretty banged up, that’s just the nature of the games we’re facing.

“When you play other teams, maybe not as much but that’s the nature of the physical battle we’re facing.

“We know we might not be able to cover as much as we might do on a Monday or Tuesday.

“We might be a couple of names short, not that I will give you those names.

“Thursday will be a big day for us in terms of physically preparing.”

He added: “We’re waiting on Dan Biggar until later in the week. Cuthbert has gone home.

“There are a few bumps and bruises but other than that nothing to write home about.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be absolutely fine and have a full squad to select from.”