Rugby Autumn Internationals: Williams out, Cuthbert in
Wales will face the the top three ranked teams in the world in this year's Autumn Nations Series, starting with New Zealand on Saturday October 30th.
But it looks unlikely that Liam Williams will be playing, with attack coach Stephen Jones saying that it "would be a big ask".
Williams, who plays full-back or wing underwent an appendix operation earlier this month.
And although the 71-cap-player was announced as part of Pivac's 38 man squad, the All Blacks game seems likely to arrive too soon for him.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash, Stephen Jones said: “Liam is back training, which is great. He has not had many sessions this season, so we are trying to improve him with every session.
“He is working very hard because he wants to play and he wants to prove that. But we, as coaches and fitness coaches, understand where he is.
“It is important that we remember that we’ve got more games in November, so we have to be clever with how we use Liam.
“In fairness, we are fully aware that it would be a big ask of Liam (to be fit for New Zealand), but he is doing everything he can to be available. He is ticking every box, but you do need some volume in the legs as well.”
Seven English-based players also won't be available for selection against New Zealand because the game will be played outside the international window and players won't be released by their clubs.
They include Christ Tshiunza, Thomas Young, Talupe Faletau, Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy, Nick Tompkins and Louis Rees-Zammit.
Head coach Wayne Pivac also has a number of key personnel absent for the Principality Stadium encounter through injuries, with Williams’ fellow Lions George North, Josh Navidi and Justin Tipuric all currently out.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed that Alex Cuthbert has been called into the squad.
The 31-year-old former Exeter wing, who now plays for the Ospreys hasn't played for his country in over four years.
Cuthbert won the last of his 47 caps against Georgia in 2017.
Head coach, Wayne Pivac hasn't announced the team for Saturday's game yet but the main selection debates appear to be at the centre, fly-half and openside flanker.
Wales haven't won against the All Blacks since 1953, losing the last 31 Tests against them.
Former fly-half Stephen Jones won 100 caps for Wales and played against New Zealand 14 times, but he was never a winner.
“I had some memorable games with Wales,” he said. “We had some tight games against them in the stadium that went to the wire.
“I remember very physical affairs, which is what you expect and enjoy.
“From my end, and I have played against them a number of times, you respect them for what they are – a very efficient rugby side.
“From a coach’s perspective, you break it down analytically and build a game-plan which you believe maximises what you have in your playing group.
“From our end, we have to make sure we bring our A game, a very accurate game and we have to be smart in how we play.”
All games will be played at home at the Principality Stadium.
Wales' Autumn Nations Series Fixtures
Wales v New Zealand, October 30th, 5.15pm
Wales v South Africa, November 6th, 5.30pm
Wales v Fiji, November 14th, 3.15pm
Wales v Australia, November 20th, 5.30pm