Wales set to be stopped from picking key players in next match as key position wiped out

Wales could be facing a shortage of experienced second-rows for next month's Test match against South Africa at Twickenham.

The clash with the Springboks falls outside of World Rugby's designated international window, meaning clubs outside of Wales are not obliged to release their players. Unless the Welsh Rugby Union can strike a deal with PRL, the umbrella body which overseas the English Premiership, then Wales could be without 10 players when they take on the Springboks.

Second-row is a really pressing concern with the experienced Adam Beard out of this summer's series with an ankle injury, while Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza and Will Rowlands all ply their trade outside of Wales. Six Nations squad member Teddy Williams will also be absent having recently undergone shoulder surgery, which means Warren Gatland will have limited options against South Africa.

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas takes a look at the potential candidates who could line up in the second-row for Wales against South Africa.

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James Fender

The 22-year-old is in line to make his Ospreys comeback against Cardiff on Judgement Day after injuring his arm against Perpignan in January. Up to that point Fender had been one of the form second-rows in Welsh rugby and if he hadn't been struck down by injury he would have been in the conversation for a place in Wales' Six Nations squad.

The 6ft 7in Fender is an extremely physical lock with a high work rate and is technically sound. He is also a fine lineout forward who has been outstanding in the United Rugby Championship this season.

Fender is likely to be a strong contender to tour Australia with Wales this summer and is someone who has the potential to hit the heights at international level in the long-run. Wales' clash with the Springboks at Twickenham could be the perfect opportunity for the uncapped Fender to make his mark on the international game.

Ben Carter

The 23-year-old made his Wales debut against Ireland in 2022 and has won 11 caps for his country but injuries have stalled his progress. Carter missed out on Rugby World Cup selection but tore his hamstring last November which ruled him out of the Six Nations.

According to Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan, Carter spent his first injury setback putting on an extra one stone of weight in order to add to his physicality at Test level. Carter is a no-nonsense second-row who carries hard and gets through all the unseen dirty work which allows others to shine, while his lineout work is good.

"It's awesome to have him back. In Wales we don't produce many out and out second rows but the sky is the limit for Ben," said Dragons boss Flanagan in March..

"I really expect him to kick on and go on the summer tour. It's all up to him."

South Africa would be the perfect game to measure whether Carter is good enough to cement himself as a Wales regular moving forward.

Seb Davies

Given the experience which is likely to be missing against the Springboks, Davies is a strong contender to start at second-row. The 28-year-old has been in and out of the Wales squad since 2017 and has won 17 caps for his country.

Davies has shown glimpses of what he is capable of in the international arena but hasn't been consistent enough. But the 6ft 6in 117kg lock has played well for Cardiff this season while the fact he can also cover the back-row also goes in his favour.

At his best Davies has a good blend of athleticism and physicality. His dynamic ball carrying, lineout work and his offloading game are all potential assets for Gatland to work with. Davies wasn't even included in Wales' pre World Cup training camp but was called into the Six Nations squad.

The South African Test could provide the perfect opportunity for the Cardiff man to prove he is worth a place in Gatland's squad moving forward.

Huw Sutton

The 24-year-old was identified by the WRU's Exiles programme as a player with potential and has been excellent for the Ospreys this season. Sutton was outstanding in the Ospreys' stunning victory over the Stormers in Cape Town and gets through a lot of unseen work, while he doesn't shirk anything physically.

Sutton has really come to the fore for the Ospreys of late in the absence of both Adam Beard and Rhys Davies. Is he international class? It's difficult to say without actually seeing him play a Test match but given Wales' potential lack of options against the Springboks, he's certainly somebody worth taking a close look at.

Taine Plumtree

Gatland is a big fan of Plumtree, meaning the 24-year-old will be a likely selection in his summer squad. Plumtree has impressed for the Scarlets of late and has all the attributes to develop into a top end international class player.

While Plumtree's best and long-term position on the international stage is likely to be in the number six jersey, he is capable of slotting in at second-row. Given the potential shortage of locks for the South Africa Test, using Plumtree in the boilerhouse can't be discounted even if he doesn't start there.