Biggar fit for Argentina quarter-final World Cup clash 

In a massive boost for Warren Gatland’s side, Thomas confirmed ‘yes’ when questioned in Tuesday’s press conference whether the 33-year-old would be available for selection. 

Biggar had missed Wales’ final Pool C 43-19 victory over Georgia after suffering a pectoral injury just ten minutes into their prior triumph over Australia but will now slot back into the starting line-up against the Pumas. 

His replacement on the day against the Wallabies, Scarlets Gareth Anscombe, another injury doubt along with full back Liam Williams are both also likely to shake off relative knocks. 

Whilst Warren Gatland will not name his starting XV until Thursday, it is also expected that Aaron Wainwright will move from blindside flanker to replace Taulupe Faletau, with Jac Morgan returning to lead the side and Tommy Reffell maintaining his place after playing a starring against the ‘Lelos’. 

“All of those said injured players are at this stage, looking positive,” commented Thomas.   

“We’ll make that call closer to the end of the week. It’s probably not as bad as first feared when that happened pre-game to Gareth [Anscombe], and Liam [Williams] in the game. They’re recovering, it’s quite positive, but we’ll see. 

“The crutches make it look worse for Liam. It is just about trying to offload any pressure. It doesn’t mean he’s done anything severe. He was jogging today with the medics. It’s pretty positive. 

“I saw him [Anscombe] jogging around on the pitch along with Liam. He’s at that stage where the first 48 hours after you have a knock are important in terms of assessing it and seeing if the inflammation will go down. 

“The medics have a better understanding once that has happened. What I can confirm is they were both running around with the medics, doing some return to training. 

Whilst Argentina started the tournament slowly losing convincingly 27-10 in Saturday’s venue against England the Pumas went on to remain unbeaten in Pool D to finish runners-up. 

Thomas feels as a result there has been a growth in performance levels and that Michael Cheika’s side will be full of confidence coming into the tie with the ‘underdog’ tag. 

“I thought they [Argentina] looked more cohesive in their last game against Japan in terms of their attack. They’re proud South American men,” continued Thomas. 

“If you get out of your pool, you gain confidence and momentum. Every team will be feeling confident and can beat anyone on their day. There are quality teams and quality players in the last-eight. 

“For us as a collective, our goal from day one has been to get to knockout rugby. We have achieved that, but we are not satisfied with just getting to the quarter-finals.” 

[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]