Leicester Tigers back rower Olly Cracknell has been included in the Wales rugby squad following the unfortunate exit of Taulupe Faletau. The veteran player suffered a knee injury during a match against Edinburgh, leading to his immediate release from the squad.
Taulupe Faletau’s Injury Details
Faletau’s injury occurred on the evening of October 28, during Cardiff’s recent game. Medical assessments revealed the need for his withdrawal, which is a significant setback for Wales as they prepare for upcoming international matches.
Olly Cracknell Joins the Wales Squad
Cracknell, aged 31, has a history of aspirations to represent Wales at the senior level. He previously played for the Ospreys for six years, making an impressive 177 appearances. Notably, he was called up to the senior Wales squad in 2017 but did not make his debut.
Coaching and Background
With a strong connection to Wales through his grandfather from Llanelli, Cracknell registered as a Welsh exile at 16. He has impressed recently in the English Premiership, catching the attention of newly appointed Wales head coach Steve Tandy.
The Impact on the Squad
Head coach Tandy expressed disappointment over Faletau’s injury, recognizing him as a world-class player. Nonetheless, he is optimistic about adding Cracknell to the squad, praising his recent form with Leicester.
Selection Dynamics for Upcoming Matches
The absence of Faletau opens up debates regarding player selection in the back row, where Wales boasts depth. Aaron Wainwright, currently favored to fill the void against Argentina, may be tasked with wearing the number eight jersey for the first autumn fixture on November 9.
Potential Back Row Options
- Olly Cracknell
- Aaron Wainwright
- Taine Plumtree
- Alex Mann
- Morgan Morse
- Freddie Thomas
Wales Autumn Squad Overview
The following players are part of the autumn squad:
| Forwards | Backs |
|---|---|
| Keiron Assiratti | Josh Adams |
| Adam Beard | Jacob Beetham |
| Liam Belcher | Rio Dyer |
| Rhys Carre | Dan Edwards |
| Ben Carter | Jarrod Evans |
| Brodie Coghlan | Callum Sheedy |
| Christian Coleman | Kieran Hardy |
| Olly Cracknell* | Joe Hawkins |
| Rhys Davies | Louie Hennessey* |
| James Fender* | Max Llewellyn |
| Archie Griffin | Reuben Morgan-Williams |
| Dafydd Jenkins | Blair Murray |
| Dewi Lake | Louis Rees-Zammit |
| Alex Mann | Tom Rogers |
| Jac Morgan (c) | Ben Thomas |
| Morgan Morse* | Nick Tompkins |
| Taine Plumtree | Tomos Williams |
| Nicky Smith | |
| Danny Southworth* | |
| Gareth Thomas | |
| Freddie Thomas | |
| Aaron Wainwright |
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