Davies could yet face Australia

Rugby: Wales have not ruled lock Bradley Davies out of their plans for Saturday’s match against Australia at the Millennium Stadium. But prop Aaron Jarvis is a definite non-starter after suffering a knee ligament injury during the 33-10 loss to New Zealand two days ago.

Davies was hospitalised after being struck from behind in the second minute by New Zealand hooker Andrew Hore, who was subsequently cited by match commissioner Mike Rafter and will face a disciplinary hearing this week. Wales head coach Warren Gatland has put back his scheduled team announcement by 48 hours until Thursday because of what the Welsh Rugby Union describe as “ongoing injury concerns”.

Regarding Davies, the WRU said: “Bradley Davies is back in the Wales camp after spending some time in hospital on Saturday night. He is recovering from severe concussion and following the appropriate return to play protocols. He is not training today, but it is still too soon to reach any further conclusions.”

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley today offered a damning verdict on the Hore episode as preparations began for the Australia Test. “What Hore did has got no place on a rugby field, as far as I am concerned,” Howley said.

“It was an absolute disgrace. He has been cited, and I am sure it won’t be taken too lightly. Situations and incidents like that have no place on the rugby field, and it had a huge impact on the game.”