Leigh Halfpenny's hopes of a return to Test rugby could be dashed with the Wales full-back now a doubt to face New Zealand this Saturday.
The 33-year-old walked straight down the tunnel at the start of Wales' captain's run on Friday after speaking to a member of staff, taking no part in the initial training session at the Principality Stadium, with the first 10 minutes taking place in front of the media.
Were Halfpenny to miss out, it would likely result in Rhys Priestland moving into the starting XV - which would be his first start in a Wales jersey in five years - while Sam Costelow would be the sensible bet to step onto the bench. The WRU say there is currently no update on Halfpenny's fitness.
SIGN UP: Get the latest rugby news sent straight to your inbox for free with our daily newsletter
Priestland, who last started for Wales against Georgia in 2017, has been playing full-back for Cardiff this year, suggesting a straight swap for Halfpenny would make sense. However, starting fly-half Gareth Anscombe is also capable of playing full-back.
Since that start against Georgia, Priestland has won just three caps off the bench for Wales - two of which were against the All Blacks. The other saw him kick a last-gasp winning penalty against Australia last autumn.
Louis Rees-Zammit would be another option to move to full-back, with Alex Cuthbert having taken part in training on Friday.
There had been doubts over Halfpenny's fitness coming into Wales camp after he pulled out of the Scarlets' clash with Connacht at the end of last month. His club cited a possible hamstring injury.
Get your brilliant 48-page Wales at the World Cup preview special - it's a must-have historical souvenir
Saturday's clash with the All Blacks is set to be Halfpenny's first appearance in a Wales jersey since suffering a serious knee injury on his 100th cap against Canada in July 2021.
After naming his team on Thursday, Wales coach Wayne Pivac insisted the full-back, along with Wales' other injury doubts, were fully fit to play in the autumn opener this weekend.
"We wouldn’t have selected them if they weren’t right," said Pivac. "They have trained last week, trained very well this week.
"We had a big, physical session on Tuesday and they came through fine. We’re pleased with where everyone is at."
READ NEXT
