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Warren Gatland positive on Dan Biggar's availability for quarter-final

Dan Biggar
Image: Wales are 'pleased with the progress' that fly-half Dan Biggar is making

Wales are on course to have a fully-fit squad - including Jonathan Davies and Dan Biggar - for next Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against France.

Centre Davies has been recovering from a knee injury, while fly-half Biggar followed head injury assessment return-to-play protocols after going off during the victory over Fiji four days ago.

Neither player was considered for Wales' fourth successive Pool D win - a 35-13 result against Uruguay in Kumamoto - but they are recovering well, along with George North, who has had an ankle knock.

"Jonathan Davies had a scan and it came back clear, which is really positive for us," Wales head coach Warren Gatland said. "Initially, we were a bit worried.

Wales' centre Jonathan Davies scores a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Wales and Georgia at the City of Toyota Stadium in Toyota City on September 23, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images)
Image: Jonathan Davies' prognosis is a positive one too ahead of their quarter-final

"Dan is going through his protocols, and he had a scan as well. We've spoken to consultants from World Rugby about him, and he's spoken to the consultant as well.

"They are pleased with the progress he's making, so hopefully he will be fine. George had a slight ankle injury, but he is going to be OK.

"We are in a good place and building some momentum nicely. Talking to the medics, they are hopeful that in a couple of days we will be able to get everyone fit and available for selection - the whole 31 training.

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"That will be the first time we've had that out here, which is really good, and now it's about creating momentum."

Wales stutter but win to set up France QF
Wales stutter but win to set up France QF

Wales stuttered to a messy 35-13 victory against Uruguay in order to complete a clean-sweep of Pool D wins in Kumamoto.

A Wales team showing 13 changes from the side that accounted for Fiji posted a bonus-point win to guarantee their best World Cup pool stage performance - four successive victories - since 1987.

Nicky Smith, Josh Adams, Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies scored tries, while there was also a penalty try and Leigh Halfpenny kicked four conversions, but all attention is now on France in Oita next Sunday.

Alun Wyn probably said it best - there are 240 minutes left to do something special. For us, that's something to really focus on. We've got a good record against France, but they are traditionally a tournament team. In World Cups, when everyone writes them off, they seem to produce performances nobody expects.
Warren Gatland on their quarter-final opponents

"We are pleased with what we've achieved in the last couple of years. There is a lot of confidence in the team, and we have that belief against any side," the head coach noted.

"It is about making the most of our opportunities. You need a bit of luck, too, the bounce of the ball.

"There is a massive amount of motivation for this quarter-final. If we win the quarter-final, we are here for the rest of the tournament. I am pretty sure the guys don't want to go home next Monday.

"It's about taking our opportunities. From a coaching and playing perspective, these opportunities can change people's lives. I know the players will give it everything."

Only Shane Williams has scored more tries than Josh Adams for Wales at an edition of the Rugby World Cup now
Image: Only Shane Williams has scored more tries than Josh Adams for Wales at an edition of the Rugby World Cup

Uruguay captain Juan Gaminara, meanwhile, gave his take on some pushing between players as both teams went down the tunnel for half-time.

"It was just things of the game," he said. "It's rugby.

"When the pulse is very high, these things happen. Just some pushes, nothing else."

Reflecting on a tournament in which Uruguay beat Fiji, head coach Esteban Meneses added: "Our aim was to show our evolution, and I think we have achieved that.

"I am very proud of the players and staff. We showed our fighting spirit and the good DNA instilled within us, and that we were able to play at a world-class level."

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