Injury Problems and Scares a Worry for Wales?

Tipuric (right) to miss South Africa tour, while Priestland (left) in doubt.

The injury to Justin Tipuric leaves some problems for Warren Gatland seeing as the other natural openside Sam Warburton is already out of the tour to South Africa. Where as the possible injury to Priestland may actually be a blessing in disguise.

Justin Tipuric has been ruled out of the tour in June due to due soldier surgery set to take place next week. The Ospreys flanker has been a consistent feature in Warren Gatlands side over the last couple seasons, and seeing as Sam Warburton was missing through injury, he seemed a sure start. This is a problem for Wales. Gatland has suggested he may play Lydiate on the open side and Bradley Davies on the blindside. Now don't get me wrong, Lydiate is a fantastic player. I'm just not sure if the inclusion of him at open side and Davies at bind side gives us the pace and creativity in the back row that tipuric has brought in recent games. Justin Tipuric has been a fine replacement for the consistently injured Sam Warburton and his omission could prove costly against a formidable Springboks back row.

Rhys Priestland's injury doubt on the other hand could be exactly what Wales need. The 27 year old limped off for Scarlets against the Blues today with suspected medial ligament damage. It is unknown when he will find out the extent of this injury. Why is this good? Well ever since Priestland's fantastic performances in the world cup Gatland has seemed set on playing him even when his form was clearly dropping. His performances in the  recent past have been patchy to say the least. Dan Biggar on the other hand has been a steady figure in the Wales set up when he has been allowed to play (usually because of injury to Priestland). I think Wales need someone at 10 who will kick consistently, distribute well and play in the right areas. At the moment Dan Biggar is far more accomplished in those departments than Priestland. So perhaps it isn't all that bad for Wale's chances if Priestland misses the tour.