Gatland laments Phillips injury

Wales coach Warren Gatland may be dealt another major injury blow ahead of his team’s autumn Test series opener against New Zealand.

With less than three weeks to go before Wales face the All Blacks, Gatland is now sweating on British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips’ fitness.

Gatland has already lost Phillips’ fellow Lions Lee Byrne (foot) and Adam Jones (shoulder) from his November plans, in addition to prop John Yapp (torn biceps) and lock Ian Evans (torn tendon).

Phillips became the latest concern when he limped off before half-time in the Ospreys’ 25-24 Heineken Cup victory over Clermont Auvergne.

Gatland was among the Liberty Stadium crowd that saw Phillips depart. He appeared to be hurt during build-up play to the Ospreys’ second try.

The Swansea-based side raced into a 19-point lead - they headed Pool Three opponents Leicester by 18 points last weekend before being held to a draw - and then found themselves hanging on despite tries from Tommy Bowe, Ryan Jones and Barry Davies.

“Clearly, it was nerve-wracking, and we were just glad to get over the line,” said Ospreys coach Sean Holley.(source)