Aaron Wainwright injury: Wales No 8 a major doubt for New Zealand Test

Wales are sweating on an Aaron Wainwright injury before Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against New Zealand in Cardiff.

The 29-year-old number eight has been seen in a protective boot after hurting his leg and did not train on Tuesday, BBC Sport Wales reports. Head coach Steve Tandy names his team on Thursday.

Aaron Wainwright injury: how big a blow for Wales?

Wainwright started last Saturday’s 28-21 win over Japan, his 71st cap, and is one of the senior figures in Tandy’s pack.

He moved from Dragons to Leicester Tigers in the summer and has settled quickly, scoring his first try for the club in October’s comeback win over Gloucester.

It would also be a painful case of history repeating itself. Wainwright missed the same fixture a year ago, when he was withdrawn from the team to face the All Blacks with a hip injury.

Lydiate: ‘We might find the next Aaron Wainwright’

Assistant coach Dan Lydiate said on Tuesday that the back-rower has not been ruled out, but accepted he could miss the game.

“He picked up a bit of a knock, it’s a minor injury and he’s walking around in a boot at the minute, but it’s more precautionary,” Lydiate said. “We’ve been lucky enough with Wainwright that he’s been quite robust over the years. The medical staff are working as quick as they can to turn him around.”

He added: “I don’t know if he’ll be available this week, but they’re doing everything in their power to make sure he is.”

Lydiate knows what Wales would lose. “He’s such a leader in terms of his ball-carrying ability and a quality player like Aaron is a potential loss because you want your best players on the field,” he said. “If that is the case, it will give someone else an opportunity, and you never know, we might find the next Aaron Wainwright.”

Basham in pole position

If Wainwright is ruled out, the BBC says recalled Cardiff back-rower Taine Basham is the leading contender to replace him. Basham has been the form number eight in Welsh rugby this season, while Scarlets’ Taine Plumtree is the other option in Tandy’s squad.

Basham has not played for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations and has not started a Test since 2022, so facing the All Blacks would be a huge step up.

Tandy has also been looking at young talent in training. Scarlets fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has been working with the squad this week, according to WalesOnline. The Wales Under-20s playmaker started both of the Scarlets’ recent games in South Africa.

All Blacks without Will Jordan

New Zealand have injury problems of their own. Wing Will Jordan misses out with a hamstring injury, but centre Jordie Barrett is available after passing his head injury assessment.

Both had been doubts after the 43-21 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, while fly-half Richie Mo’unga is pushing for a return after a calf injury.

What comes next for Wales

Wales face New Zealand at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 14 November, kick-off 2.10pm, live on ITV. Our Wales vs New Zealand TV guide has the full details.

Australia visit Cardiff on 21 November, before the Nations Championship finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, at the end of the month.

Wales are fifth of six in the northern hemisphere table, with two wins from four matches. Tandy will update on the Aaron Wainwright injury when he names his side on Thursday, and you can follow every Test in our international rugby coverage.

Aaron Wainwright injury: FAQs

Will Aaron Wainwright play against New Zealand?
He is a major doubt. He is wearing a protective boot and missed training on Tuesday, but Wales have not ruled him out. The team is named on Thursday.

Who could replace Aaron Wainwright for Wales?
Taine Basham is the leading contender, with Taine Plumtree the other option.

What time is Wales vs New Zealand?
Saturday 14 November, kick-off 2.10pm UK time at the Principality Stadium, live on ITV.