Wales team selection for Uruguay clash a 'juggling act' says Warren Gatland as injuries take toll

Short turnaround: Wales are back in action just four days after their bruising win over Fiji
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Will Macpherson11 October 2019

Warren Gatland admitted that picking his Wales team to face Uruguay in Kumamoto on Sunday was a “juggling act” as they manage injuries and a four-day turnaround following the win over Fiji.

Victory over Uruguay will ensure that Wales top Pool D and face France in the quarter-finals.

"It's a bit of a juggling act with the four-day turnaround,” said Gatland. “But we have a fresh forward pack and they’re excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”

Gatland has made 13 changes, retaining only Josh Adams – who Gatland admitted he wanted to rest – and Hadleigh Parkes.

Justin Tipuric returns to captain the side for the first time with Alun Wyn Jones rested, and starts in a back row that also features Aaron Wainwright at No8.

In Pictures | Wales vs Fiji, Rugby World Cup | 09/10/2019

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Injuries in the backs have stretched Gatland.

Dan Biggar left the field for the second successive match with a head injury on Wednesday but did not show concussion symptoms yesterday and is going through the HIA protocols.

The centre Jonathan Davies appears to be a doubt for next Sunday’s quarter-final in Oita with a knee injury. George North is “rested” with a sore ankle, while Liam Williams is given the game off.

”Hopefully [Davies will be fit], he's being managed at the moment,” Gatland said.

“It had a bit of swelling and he's been icing it regularly. He gets a little bit more time and hopefully that keeps improving over the next few days.”

Biggar’s absence leaves Wales short at fly-half. Rhys Patchell starts, while there is a 6-2 split on the bench, with both backs being scrum-halves, Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies.

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