Aaron Wainwright is a major doubt for Wales' Nations Championship opener against New Zealand on Saturday in Cardiff. The number eight sustained an injury concern that could see him miss the clash with the All Blacks. Recalled Taine Basham emerges as the leading contender to replace him, having been named the form number eight in Welsh domestic rugby this season.
The Scarlets' Taine Plumtree also provides an alternative option in the squad. Basham has not featured for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations, while his previous international start dates back to 2022. After the All Blacks match, Wales will host Australia on 21 November, before the Nations Championship finals weekend at the end of the month, hosted by the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham.
Wales currently sit fifth out of six in the northern hemisphere table after two wins from four matches.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing