Training ground claims another Wales player

Wales have lost another player on the eve of their showdown with the Springboks, this time due to an injury sustained in training.

Front row Rhodri Jones has been released from Wales Pivac’s side after injuring his calf in camp.

Jones is the latest Welshman to join an increasing long list of injured players, with a total of 18 Test players now sans combat.

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The prop is the third squad member this week alone to bow out, with Alun Wyn Jones and Ross Moriarty both facing long stints on the sideline following Wales’ loss to New Zealand last weekend.

A WRU statement reads: “Loosehead prop Rhodri Jones has been released from the Wales squad with immediate effect after suffering a calf injury during training.

“Fellow Ospreys prop Gareth Thomas has been called into the squad to replace Jones.

“Thomas, who made his debut against Canada in the summer, has won three international caps.”

Wales team to play South Africa at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

J McNicholl (Scarlets); L Rees-Zammit (Gloucester), J Davies (Scarlets, capt), N Tompkins (Saracens), J Adams (Cardiff); D Biggar (Northampton), T Williams (Cardiff); R Carre (Cardiff), R Elias (Scarlets), T Francis (Ospreys), W Rowlands (Dragons), A Beard (Ospreys), E Jenkins (Cardiff), T Basham (Dragons), A Wainwright (Dragons).

Replacements: B Roberts (Ulster), W Jones (Scarlets), W John (Scarlets), B Carter (Dragons), S Davies (Cardiff), G Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Ospreys), L Williams (Scarlets).