Concerns over injured Welsh pair

Jenkins, who described the semi-final as the biggest game in Welsh rugby history, said both players were still struggling with shoulder injuries sustained in the quarter-final victory over Ireland at the weekend.

“Priestland’s taken a knock to the shoulder and we will see how he is in the next few days,” said Jenkins. “Luke Charteris, yes, exactly the same. Hopefully they will be all right for the weekend.”

The 24-year-old Priestland, who made his international debut earlier this year, has been one of the leading lights of a youthful team that has confounded the odds by reaching the last four.

James Hook, who has been playing largely at full-back during the tournament, gives an experienced option to replace Priestland, as does Test centurion Stephen Jones.

Charteris, 28, is more experienced than Priestland but Wales do have an extra second row option in former captain Ryan Jones, who normally plays in the back row.

Wales reached the World Cup semi-finals at the inaugural tournament in 1987 but have never been in a final.