WALES HIT BY FRONT ROW INJURY CRISIS

SCOTT Andrews is set to start for Wales against South Africa, with Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones also called up to the squad amid an apparent front-row injury crisis.

Jones has joined Warren Gatland’s men amid fitness concerns surrounding Leon Brown and Rob Evans, and is set to be parachuted straight into the matchday 23.

Andrews, who is currently on loan at Bath from Cardiff Blues, is set to start at tighthead prop.

Ospreys player Jones, who has 15 caps for Wales, has started just two Anglo-Welsh games for the Welsh region this season at tighthead. With Brown ruled out, Samson Lee injured and Tomas Francis returning to Exeter, he is currently the only potential back-up to Andrews at tighthead.

Andrews (pictured right) last played for Wales against Japan in 2016 and was only added to the squad earlier this month as cover.

Warren Gatland’s other front-row options for Saturday’s autumn finale are looseheads Nicky Smith and Wyn Jones.

Dragons youngster Brown is thought to be suffering from a concussion he picked up against New Zealand. It is unclear what the problem is with Scarlets prop Evans.

Elsewhere, it seems Gareth Davies will start at scrum-half, with Aled Davies on the bench. The suggestion has previously been that Rhys Webb, who was removed from the field early in the All Blacks encounter after taking a heavy blow to the head, is on course to pass his concussion protocols, but the Wales management could now opt to leave him out anyway.

Dragons hooker Elliot Dee could also feature in the 23.

Rhys Patchell is also likely to feature for the first time this autumn from the bench, with Dan Biggar starting at 10 inside Hadleigh Parkes and Scott Williams.

It will be New Zealand-born Parkes’ first cap, with his versatility a huge bonus for Wales.

Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins said: “I think he’s a 12 at this moment in time, but I’ve no doubt he could play 13 if we need him.

“He’s been a great addition to the squad. He’s got quite a few strengths. He carries well and he’s defensively very good.

“The way we’re trying to play, he’s a big bonus for us.”