 Wales prop Duncan Jones has won 52 international caps |
Wales prop Duncan Jones has been ruled out of the remainder of Wales' autumn Tests with a foot injury. The Ospreys forward joins Gavin Henson, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas and Huw Bennett on Wales's injured list. A Welsh Rugby Union statement said Jones had been carrying the injury for a while but the 30-year-old was on the bench for their South Africa defeat. "Duncan has had a long-term bone problem which has flared up," said Wales physio Mark Davies. Jones was an unused replacement as Wales lost to world champions the Springboks on Saturday but the loosehead prop was not named in Wales' squad to face Canada at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.  | 606: DEBATE |
Davies added "It is likely that he will now be in plaster for a period time and we are currently taking specialist advice before predicting when he will be able to make a return. "But we know he will not be available to us for our matches against the All Blacks and the Wallabies." Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde added: "It is disappointing for Duncan and for us as a squad because he is a huge asset and a big loss." Grand Slam winners Wales face Tri Nations champions the All Blacks in Cardiff on 22 November before Australia come to the Millennium Stadium for the final autumn international on 29 November. Jones has been replaced in the Wales squad by John Yapp, who will start against Canada on Friday after his 11th hour call-up. The 25-year-old Cardiff Blues prop was tipped for the top but he has failed to fulfil his potential and McBryde believe now is the time for Yapp to take his chance. "John Yapp will be foolish to let this opportunity go," said McBryde. "It's the right place at the right time for him and he does have previous experience but the ball is in his court." Blues winger Tom James has also joined the squad to provide cover in the backs and will now remain after the withdrawal of Ospreys centre Henson with an Achilles injury. Jones' injury is a blow to the Ospreys' Heineken Cup hopes as the Welsh region now have five major players injured ahead of their next European clash with Treviso on December 6. Henson's injury is long-term, flanker Jonathan has a groin problem, scrum-half Phillips is recovering from knee surgery and hooker Bennett was injured in the Ospreys' defeat at London Irish.
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