Waiting game for Bennett

Wales are set to run fitness checks on hooker Huw Bennett on Monday as they prepare for this weekend's Millennium Stadium clash against world champions South Africa.

The Ospreys hooker limped off during his team's 23-19 EDF Energy Cup defeat against London Irish.

He was helped from the pitch, causing Wales coach Warren Gatland a degree of concern before the autumn Test opener.

Initial suggestions were that Bennett had suffered a minor ankle strain, but Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys said: "We are unsure about his injury at this stage.

"He is being looked at by the medical staff, and he will report to the Wales camp on Monday."

Bennett, 25, is favourite to wear the number two jersey on Saturday, although Gatland possesses quality alternatives in Bennett's fellow Osprey Richard Hibbard and Scarlets' Matthew Rees.

Gatland is due to name his team on Tuesday, with Scarlets wing Mark Jones a probable absentee because of knee trouble.

That could open the door for uncapped Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, 19, to face the Springboks - and potentially mark South African try machine Bryan Habana.

His Blues colleague Jamie Roberts is earmarked to start at outside centre, partnering Gavin Henson in midfield, with the experienced Stephen Jones favourite for fly-half duties ahead of James Hook.

In the forwards, a 50th cap beckons for Ospreys prop Adam Jones, while in-form Blues number eight Andy Powell should make his Test debut alongside back-row colleagues Ryan Jones and Martyn Williams.