Injury blow to Davies as Gatland woes grow

JONATHAN Davies is a severe doubt for Wales’ three remaining Autumn Tests after he suffered an ankle injury in the 29-21 defeat to Australia at Principality Stadium.

Centre Davies fell awkwardly late on in Cardiff and is set to miss Wales’ clash with Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

“It looks like an ankle injury with Jon. He’s being strapped up and on crutches,” said Gatland, whose team suffered their 13th straight defeat to the Wallabies. “It doesn’t look brilliant.”

The absence of Davies would be a huge blow for Wales as they are already without the crocked Sam Warburton and Ross Moriarty. Rhys Webb and Justin Tipuric also sat out the clash with the Wallabies with leg injuries.

Victory saw Australia extend their winning run over Wales and Gatland says his team “shot themselves in the

foot” as they were outscored four tries to two.

Steffan Evans scored Wales’ first try and replacement Amos crossed too, but by then Gatland’s side had paid the price for failing to turn possession into points.

Australia scored through Tatafu Polota-Nau, Adam Coleman, captain Michael Hooper and Kurtley Beale and fly-half Bernard Foley kicked three conversions.

Gatland insisted his team will be all the better for the hit out when they face Georgia on Saturday.

“We’ll make a lot of changes and there will be some younger boys getting a chance,” Gatland said. “Some players who have been out of the squad for a while will get an opportunity.

“It’s a chance to put themselves in contention for the All Blacks game. We’re disappointed with the result, but some guys have had their first caps at home and they’ll be better for that experience. There are times when we’ve played Australia and lost in the last minute. This was different.”

Evans, who scored his third Test try in as many starts, held his hand up for his part in defensive errors which allowed Australia to score four soft tries.

“Getting three tries in three games is a bonus, but I thought we played some good stuff as well,” Evans said.

“I just took it in my stride and tried to get my hands on the ball, but our errors cost us the game and you’ve got to be accurate against a team like Australia.

“We can build on this performance, but our errors let them into the game because in the second half, it was all us.”

Australia head coach Michael Cheika turned his attentions to a meeting with England after this victory.

Cheika said: “We understand the pundits over here don’t think we have much of a chance. One guy said ‘respect to Australia, but a decent club side would beat them’. So I don’t think there is too much for them to worry about.

“It is not about fun with Eddie (Jones), we will have fun in our own camp and we will prepare ourselves each day the best we can.”