Fans fuming after Gareth Ansombe injury - 'exactly why we don't play these meaningless games'

After Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe was ruled out of the World Cup today after suffering an ACL injury against England on Sunday, fans have questioned whether these warm-up games are necessary.

The 28-year-old hobbled off the field towards the end of the first half, after initially sustaining the knee injury during the first quarter of the match, and now has had his World Cup hopes dashed after establishing himself as Warren Gatland’s first-choice 10.

The test at Twickenham was the first of four warm-up games for the Grand Slam champions, with England travelling to the Principality Stadium next weekend, before two tests against Ireland.

Leading up to these matches, there had been questions over how necessary they were, and the risk of injuries. After only one match, Anscombe has been the first tragic casualty.

Some fans are saying that these matches should be played against Tier 2 nations or regional sides, where they will not be as intense. Two consecutive test matches against England will always be full-blooded and injuries are almost an inevitability, particularly as players are vying for selection along with Gatland naming a full-strength side.

This sees Gatland’s squad take a major hit for second consecutive World Cup after both Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb were ruled out in 2015 during the warm-up games. However, Wales only played two tests against Ireland in 2015, and one against Italy, which is a much easier workload.

Ireland have faced similar troubles over the past few days, with Joey Carbery suffering an injury against Italy at the weekend which will put him out for six weeks.

Some fans have said that there are so many matches this time around as it raises money, while player welfare has not been taken into account.

However, these games are crucial to avoid any rustiness for northern hemisphere sides, particularly as the southern hemisphere sides are competing in the Rugby Championship and the Pacific Nations Cup. But it is the volume of these matches that is being questioned, as well as the quality of opposition, especially for Wales. The fans will be hoping that Anscombe’s injury is the only major setback they suffer.

This is what has been said:

The warm up games should’ve been teams like Georgia, Tonga and Russia! Not against England n Ireland! Could’ve taken them around the country then, not worried about selling out the millennium! Hopefully jaarod or patchell now start closest thing to Anscombe we have now!

— Michael Youde ? (@Youdley24) August 12, 2019

A complete joke exactly why we don’t play these meaningless games

— Nick Gulliford (@NGulliford) August 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/CBlue2527/status/1160901716201660416?s=20

https://twitter.com/rae3918/status/1160896679211651073?s=20

4 warm ups against such competitive sides was such a bad idea considering our lack of depth. It derailed our last WC and now lightning is striking twice

— Matt (@msth_19) August 12, 2019

Terrible news, I wonder whether those pre #RWC2019 international games are really worth the trouble

— VinOvale (@vinovale) August 12, 2019

Why not play warm up games against regional sides …. the level would be lower but at least they get game time to practice moves etc it’s always going to be a risk playing these type of games so close to a major competition

— Andrew (@powelly2017) August 12, 2019

At least you'll make some money from these games?

— Rhodri Morris (@MorrisRhodri) August 12, 2019

World Cup warm ups never worth it because of outrageously high injury risks. Carbery really not someone we want to be losing. Has the potential to light up the tournament even if not a guaranteed starter #PrayForJoey

— Mike White (@miguelblanco85) August 10, 2019

World Cup “warm-ups” are always a total disaster for injuries. All to make a bit of money.

— Lloyd Warburton????????? (@LloydCymru) August 11, 2019

All I can think of watching #ENGvWAL is injuries injuries injuries. The 2015 warm-ups were Game of Thrones brutal ?

— Jessica Phillips (@jj_phillips1) August 11, 2019

While this opens the door for Dan Biggar to start at fly-half throughout the World Cup, this is particularly tough for Anscombe after establishing himself as Wales’ starting 10 during the Six Nations. Not only that, but he has made the move to the Ospreys this season, and this may majorly reduce his playing time.

It is one game down, three to go for Welsh fans, as they hope every player gets through them unscathed.