DRAGONS captain Cory Hill has suffered an ankle injury that forced a late change to Wales’ XV for their first World Cup warm-up – but the lock is expected to be fit for the second part of their England double-header.
The 27-year-old missed the Grand Slam-clinching wins against Scotland and Ireland after injuring his left ankle while scoring the crucial try against England in the Six Nations.
Hill was poised to return to the starting line-up for the first of four warm-ups, against England at Twickenham on Sunday, but has aggravated the same ankle and is currently wearing a protective boot.
It is hoped that he will be back in the mix for the clash with England in Cardiff a week on Saturday.
“We’d originally selected Cory Hill in the second row but he his ankle is a little bit tight and it’s not worth taking that risk,” said Warren Gatland.
Scrum-half Tomos Williams was named on the bench but is likely to miss out after suffering a shoulder knock in training with Aled Davies taking his place as back-up to Gareth Davies.
Back rower Josh Navidi (hamstring) returned to full training today while openside James Davies has been troubled by a back problem.
Tighthead Samson Lee (hamstring) and loosehead Rob Evans (shoulder/neck) are expected to be back in consideration over the coming weeks.
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