GETHIN Jenkins is set to provide Wales with a front row boost by recovering from a hamstring problem to feature against South Africa, writes Chris Kirwan.

Warren Gatland is thin on the ground for options at loosehead after 20-year-old Ospreys prospect Nicky Smith suffered a pectoral injury in the closing stages of Saturday’s loss to New Zealand.

Paul James has returned to Bath as the Springboks encounter is outside the IRB Test window to leave Wales sweating on Jenkins, who had to sit out the defeat to the All Blacks after suffering the injury when captaining the side to victory against Fiji.

Scarlets loosehead Rob Evans has been called up to train with the squad, although Ospreys tighthead Aaron Jarvis could be the man to provide cover for Jenkins against the Springboks from the bench.

Leigh Halfpenny also took a blow to his shoulder during the loss to the All Blacks, but the Toulon full-back is expected to be fit in time to face South Africa while wing George North is being monitored after suffering a blow to the head against New Zealand.

Rhys Webb was forced off in the second half with a groin problem but is also set to resume his impressive partnership with Dan Biggar.

Wales are already facing up to the prospect of taking on the Boks with an inexperienced Gloucester hooker as Richard Hibbard has, like James, had to return for Aviva Premiership duty.

Either Ospreys man Scott Baldwin, who has had a shaky autumn at the lineout, or Scarlets rival Emyr Phillips will get the nod.

“Neither minds tackling,” said coach Shaun Edwards. “But there’s no doubt that Richard was at the forefront of the defensive performance against New Zealand in the pure aggression stakes.

“I asked him to be as destructive as he possibly could and he certainly did that. They’ve got pretty big shoes to fill but they are both ambitious young men who don’t mind the physical side of the game.”