Patchell fit, but not ready to return against Wallabies
RHYS Patchell has passed concussion protocols, but is not being considered to face Australia this weekend.
The Scarlets pivot hasn’t played since displaying concussion symptoms after the win over the Ospreys at the start of October.
He was been recovering since and has now passed the required tests but his is not deemed to be match ready ahead of this weekend’s clash and needs to get more training sessions under his belt.
But it now means it’s a straight shoot-out between Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe for the No.10 jersey as Wales bid to end a 13-game losing streak against the Wallabies.
Anscombe has a strong case to remain in the jersey after doing very little wrong and putting in a solid performance in the 21-10 victory over Scotland last time out.
But Biggar, a mainstay in the Wales team for many years, is now also available for selection, giving the Wales management a nice problem to have.
“We have got a lot of riches in that area,” said defence coach Shaun Edwards.
“We have a big decision to make there.”
Another man not in contention to face Australia is tighthead prop Samson Lee, who is battling a hamstring problem.
Dillon Lewis started in the No.3 jersey against the Scots and put in a fine performance but now faces competition from Tomas Francis, who is also now available for selection.
“I was incredibly impressed with Dillon Lewis, said Edwards.
“Samson is a very strong scrummager, but we have Tomas Francis and we are strong in that tight-head position right now.”
On Wales’ poor record against Australia, Edwards added: “They took us apart a couple of years ago but in the close games, the bench has come on and been more dynamic than us and been clinical.
“We have made mental errors in what we call the final minutes, the Championship minutes, when games are won or lost. Every time this game comes around, you are hoping to break that record.”