Wales have confirmed that Aaron Wainwright is a major doubt for Saturday’s Nations Championship encounter against the All Blacks at Principality Stadium.

The former Dragons RFC player was in a protective boot on Monday, while on Tuesday, the 29-year-old didn’t take part in training due to still wearing the boot.

Speaking on the potential of Wainwright, who carried 38 metres in Wales’ 28-21 victory over Japan, contact skills coach Dan Lydiate confirmed that the number eight was a doubt for Round 5 of the Nations Championship.

“He’s picked up a bit of a knock at the weekend,” said Lydiate, a former teammate of Wainwright.

“I think it is a minor injury. He is walking around in a boot at the minute, but that is more precautionary.

“The medical staff are assessing him and working as quickly as they can to turn him around.

“I don’t know if he will be available this week, but they are doing everything in their power to make sure he is, if they can turn him around.”

Cardiff Rugby’s Taine Basham is likely to start instead of Wainwright, which would be his first international start since the 2022 Six Nations against England.

The 27-year-old has started the season strongly for Cardiff, quickly establishing himself as an influential figure in Corniel van Zyl’s side.

Former Wales international Lydiate admitted at Wales’ training base in the Vale of Glamorgan that it was a major blow.

However, in his press conference, he added that it was exciting to give someone like Basham the opportunity to return to the international stage.

“A quality player like Aaron Wainwright is a loss when he is not available for us, but it gives someone else another chance,” added Lydiate.

“Touch wood, we have been lucky that Wainwright has been quite robust over many years, given the position he plays.

“Like anyone, you want your best players on the field.

“Teams in England have obviously looked to scout him, as they have some of our other world-class players, because they want our best players.

“He could potentially be a loss, but if that is the case, it will give someone else an opportunity.

“You never know; we might find the next Aaron Wainwright.”