17 hours ago
Lions injury update issued by Andy Farrell after win over Western Force
Andy Farrell has issued an update on the condition of Welsh ace Tomos Williams after he hobbled off with an injury in their triumph against Western Force on Saturday.
The Lions kick-started their tour by soundly defeating the Perth outfit, although the hosts put up a strong challenge in the opening half.
Following the interval, the visitors stepped up their game and finished emphatically with a final score line of 7-54.
Williams stood out with 50 minutes of quality play, bagging two tries for the touring side before injury struck following his second.
Post a skilful combination with Mack Hansen, Williams crossed the line with flair but seemed to injure his left hamstring upon standing up, sparking worry within the Lions camp tonight, reports Wales Online.
Sky Sports commentator and England legend Will Greenwood expressed concern during the incident, remarking: "I'm just hoping Tom Williams is OK. Rob Howley, 1997, right in amongst it, did his shoulder against the Sharks.
"And a hamstring.... ooooh.... fingers crossed for him."
Sam Warburton, former captain, advised caution, saying: "Firstly you take no chances, especially with fast and explosive players like Tomos, get him off straight away.
"If he's going to be limping like that, you're looking like he's going to miss next week, the midweek game for certain."
Subsequently, Williams was substituted with Alex Mitchell taking his place on the pitch.
Farrell gave an update on the ex-Cardiff Rugby scrum-half's condition to Sky Sports after the match, noting: "It's a tight hamstring, so.
"You don't know what these things are like. Hopefully it's a bit of cramp. We'll assess that, certainly in the morning."
Discussing the match further, Farrell said: "Again, a new-ish team. Plenty of learning from last week and the same again from this week.
"When we get out composure in the second half we were able be nice and calm."
Admitting that the opposition had given them a stern challenge, Farrell conceded: "I mean, let's be honest, the Force took it to us. I thought they played a tough high-percentage game. They kept the ball really well and we kept them in good field position through our ill-discipline.
"It was a real good test for us in that first half, glad how we composed ourselves at half-time and kept our composure throughout the second half.
"There are nine new caps there. A couple of lads have not played they will get to play in the next couple of games.
"It is nice to get tries on the board and a few good individual performances. That is all good for the future, and we have to keep pushing one another.
"If you want to look what a Lion should do for his team-mates is when Mack Hansen went up and down the field and fought for his team-mates.
"That's the sort of spirit we want."
