Warren Gatland says Wales wingers playing for Test place against Chiefs
Monday 13 June 2016 16:56, UK
Warren Gatland says wingers Tom James and Eli Walker will be battling for their Test places in Tuesday night's clash with Super Rugby side the Chiefs.
George North has been ruled out of the rest of the tour with a hamstring injury suffered in Saturday's 39-21 first Test defeat.
James and Walker are set to feature on the wings for Wales - with recent arrival Rhys Patchell going straight onto the bench a mere two days after joining up with the squad in New Zealand - and one of them will get the chance to take on the All Blacks this weekend.
"George is going home. It's a significant tear, but we're unsure whether he needs an operation or not," said Gatland. "It's unfortunate for him and a big loss for us. Hopefully, he gets a good break and comes out for next season.
"It's a shame for George, he's hit a bit of form in recent months and he was outstanding in the first Test in attack with his foot-work. He caused the All Blacks a lot of problems, so it is a big loss for us.
"Both the wingers combined excellently for the first try we scored and now there is an opportunity for somebody else. There's an opportunity for both of wings against the Chiefs, and the midfield too.
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"There's a lot on the line for the players who are playing on Tuesday in terms of a personal and team performance before we announce the side for Saturday.
"It's tough, but some of those players who are going to be involved next year with the Lions are going to find it the same."
The game is a bit of a homecoming for Gatland, who was the hooker in the 1988 Waikato side that beat Wales in the first game of their eight-match tour that summer.
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Born in Hamilton, his family still live in the city.
And he has warned his players to expect a warm reception, even though the home side will be missing eight All Blacks, two other players on sevens and U20 international duty and 10 others ruled out through injury.
"I'm not sure that some of our players know what they have got coming because the Chiefs players will be climbing the walls," he said. "You don't get many opportunities to play international games anymore."
