Halaholo is one of three players released back to the Blue & Blacks from the Wales camp – Rhys Carre and James Ratti are the others – and he will be hoping to use the game to prove he is over the hamstring strain that ruled him out of the Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and Scotland.
“I know he’s been nursing his hamstring but he’s come through training this week. I think Wayne said last week was a bit touch and go but I’m sure he sees this is an opportunity to show everybody he’s 100% fit and to put his hand up for selection,” said Young.
“We always see Willis as a real attacking weapon for us and he’ll certainly put his hand up for Wayne to look at.
“We’ve all seen what Willis can bring to the game. He’s got that invaluable commodity of being able to beat people and he’s got the ability to give you go-forward, even off slow ball.
“When we’re talking to other coaches in our league, they’re always focusing on Willis and all feel he’s a threat.”
Young has also revealed that Josh Navidi is on course to play his first game since October when Cardiff head to Ulster on 4 March. The 31-year-old British & Irish Lions flanker has finally returned to training after recovering from shoulder surgery.
“Josh is back with the boys in training, although not in full contact this week. He won’t be available for this week’s game against Zebre, but maybe for the trip to Ulster,” said Young.
“A few things will have to fall into place for that to happen. If not, then he will come with us to South Africa.
“That would rule him out of the Six Nations, but if he is fit to face Ulster then who knows what might happen. He has done so much work he looks like he has never been away.”
Wales travel to Twickenham on 26 March for Round 3 of this year’s championship. They then host France on Friday, 11 March and receive Italy on 19 March.
