Wales talisman major doubt for crucial Australia Test as Gatland awaits 'further assessment'

Wales No. 8 Aaron Wainwright is a major doubt for the second Test against Australia, although he has not been ruled out of the clash in Melbourne just yet as Warren Gatland awaits further assessment.

The Dragons forward was Wales' best player in their 25-16 defeat in Sydney, leading from the front before limping off with just a minute to go on his 50th outing for his country.

The 26-year-old is one of a number of injury doubts, with Liam Williams, Gareth Thomas and Josh Hathaway having all picked up knocks on the weekend. But the No. 8 is clearly the biggest concern as Wales look to end an eight-game losing run and level the series.

“Aaron Wainwright, we’re waiting for further assessment," said assistant coach Rob Howley when asked about the injuries. "Liam Williams will hopefully be available for selection, we’re waiting on him.

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"Gareth Thomas had a bit of a dead leg, he was back in training today. Josh Hathaway is being monitored, he had a bump on his arm.

"Dillon Lewis and Ben Carter trained this morning with us. Hopefully those players who came off, fingers crossed, will be available for selection."

Wainwright has established himself as one of Wales' most important players since reverting back to the role of No. 8 following the loss of Taulupe Faletau to injury against Georgia in the World Cup last year.

While that victory in Nantes was the last time Wales won, with each of Wainwright's subsequent eight starts resulting in defeat, there's no doubting that the Dragons star has been Wales' best player during this run of losses.

Again, in Sydney, he was to the fore with another standout performance.

"He was outstanding in the game," said Howley. "His carries, his footwork, he got us on the front foot on many an occasion.

"So hopefully (he'll be available). But we're waiting for that assessment to come back from the medical team."

Were any of Wainwright, Williams or Thomas to miss out, it would mean this greenhorn Wales team was even more inexperienced. There were just 306 caps in the starting team in Sydney, with that trio counting for 170 of them.

"I think you trust the squad," said Howley about how they'd cope without that experience. "We've picked them to come here and give them an experience of Test match rugby.

"If one of them is unfortunate not to be available for selection, we back whoever will step in. Over the period of time in the Six Nations, we've made changes.

"Self-belief and confidence is huge when there's a lack of experience because of age. At 22 or 23, you give them that opportunity to go out and perform.

"There's a balance, But hopefully the players are available and we have a consistent selection because it's a short tour."