Rugby: Wales appear on course to select from a full-strength squad for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Ireland in Wellington.
Fullback James Hook (shoulder), wing Shane Williams (thigh strain) and flanker Dan Lydiate (ankle) all missed Wales’ last two Pool D games against Namibia and Fiji, but they should be back in training on Wednesday, when Wales step up preparations for the Irish clash.
In their absence, though, Lee Byrne and Leigh Halfpenny have deputised solidly in the number 15 shirt, while Halfpenny shone on the wing against Namibia and Fiji and flanker Ryan Jones has delivered two solid displays in the backrow alongside Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau.
Hook damaged the joint of his right shoulder just before half-time against Samoa.
“It flared up a bit and has taken a bit of time to get back to normal,” he said during his recovery process. “The physios have done some great work on a daily basis.
“I knew it was a fair old bang that would take a couple of weeks, but I knew there wasn’t any structural damage so I wasn’t really that worried.
“I just have to do my best in training. It’s up to the coaches then as to whether they want to play me.
“The quarter-final is a target for me. I am hoping I will be fit for it. We’ve put a good string of performances together, and we have a bit of confidence in the squad.”
