Sam set to be fit for Wales in autumn

SAM WARBURTON is set to be fit for the start of Wales’ autumn international campaign – despite having a plate inserted in his cheekbone yesterday.

There were fears the Welsh captain would miss the November Tests when he suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone in Cardiff Blues’ defeat to Leinster at the weekend.

But, while a fracture has been confirmed, it’s a minor one and is only set to keep him out for two to four weeks.

The Blues are hoping the Lions flanker will be back for their second European Challenge Cup fixture against Pau at the Arms Park on October 21.

That would see him return in time to prove his fitness for Wales’ opening autumn Test against Australia on November.

The injury is understood to be very similar to the one fellow flanker Dan Lydiate suffered during last year’s World Cup.

Lydiate sustained a heavy blow to his eye socket during Wales’ clash with Fiji and missed their final group match against Australia as a result.

But after having a metal plate inserted in his face, the blindside returned for the quarterfinal showdown with South Africa.

Meanwhile, Warburton’s Wales teammate Leigh Halfpenny has been urged to stay in France by Toulon coach Diego Dominguez.

Halfpenny’s contract ends at the end of the season, but Dominguez believes it will be better for his career to stay put.

“We speak very often with him about (his future), and I am confident he will stay,” Dominguez said. “I think for him it will be the best decision to be outside (Wales), to challenge the best every week.”

WALES internationals Jonathan Davies and Jake Ball will again be rested as the Scarlets look to continue their Guinness Pro12 recovery against the Dragons in Llanelli on Saturday.

British Lion centre Davies and second row Ball both have national dual contracts (NDCs), which means the number of domestic games they play during a season are limited because of the demands of the international calendar.

More rugby: Pages 38&39