ZCZC
BSP-03
RUGBYU-WC-2019-WAL-WILLIAMS-RSA
Wales’ Liam Williams out of Rugby World Cup with ankle injury
TOKYO, Oct 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Wales fullback Liam Williams was ruled out
of the rest of the Rugby World Cup with an ankle injury on Friday, in a blow
to the team ahead of Sunday’s semi-final against South Africa.
Coach Warren Gatland named the experienced Leigh Halfpenny to replace
Williams for the clash in Yokohama.
“Liam Williams has been ruled out for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup
following an ankle injury sustained in an accidental collision during
training,” the Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement.
“His prognosis will be established in the forthcoming days. No replacement
has been called up at this stage,” the statement added.
Wales have already suffered injury problems with number eight Josh Navidi
suffering a grade two hamstring tear in the gripping 20-19 quarter-final win
over France.
They called up Cardiff Blues winger Owen Lane, suggesting coach Warren
Gatland feels he needs more cover in the backs.
On the plus side, coach Warren Gatland welcomed back centre Jonathan
Davies, who missed the scrappy quarter-final against France with a knee
injury.
Davies will resume his potent midfield partnership with New Zealand-born
Hadleigh Parkes.
Scrum-half Gareth Davies wins his 50th cap and will link up again with Dan
Biggar as a half-back combination.
The Springboks have their own injury concerns in the back three, with star
wing Cheslin Kolbe out of the semi-final, also with an ankle injury.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has again gone for a forwards-dominated
6-2 split in the replacements, suggesting they will seek to overpower the
Welsh up front.
The Springboks outmuscled Japan with a ferocious defensive display in the
quarter-finals before running out 26-3 winners.
Wales had to grind out their win over France, who had to play the last
half-hour with 14 men after Sebastien Vahaamahina was sent off for elbowing
Welsh flanker Aaron Wainwright.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0914 hrs