Wales rocked as injury shackles star fullback

Wales have been hit by a serious injury blow ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup semifinal against South Africa, with fullback Liam Williams ruled out because of an ankle injury.

The Lion picked up the knock in training on Wednesday and was yesterday reportedly on crutches, just days from the biggest game in Welsh rugby history.

It is understood Williams would also not be fit to play should Wales advance to the final. Leigh Halfpenny is expected to step in.

It is a huge setback for Warren Gatland’s team, who have already lost back-rower Josh Navidi to injury. Wales were also sweating on the fitness of centres Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes.

Williams, 28, had been in excellent form, having featured in four of his team’s five games at this World Cup. He is generally seen as one of Gatland’s most dependable big-game performers and has been a key cog for Wales and the Lions. He is exceptional under the high ball, aggressive, and a brilliant broken-field runner.

Parkes and Davies — who was a late withdrawal from the quarter-final win over France — are set to be named to face South Africa, but the pair have been struggling with hand and shoulder, and knee injuries, respectively.

Wales will be comforted by the fact that Halfpenny, with 84 caps and three Lions tours under his belt, is a quality replacement. The 30-year-old may not be as dynamic in the loose, but he is dependable under the high ball, an excellent defender, and can kick penalties from within his own half, which is a major asset in a knockout game. Halfpenny was the fullback in the 2011 semifinal defeat by France.

Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa coach, had earlier described Williams as an outstanding player.

“The Welsh team have a big backline,” Erasmus said. “They almost have a Southern Hemisphere backline in terms of size with Davies. [Dan] Biggar is maybe not as big as the other guys but he’s definitely busy. And then you’ve got Hadleigh Parkes.

“You’ve got [George] North, who is a big guy, and Liam Williams who is always outstanding and physical.”

South Africa suffered an injury blow with Cheslin Kolbe, one of the players of the tournament, ruled out against Wales with an ankle injury. He is replaced by Sbu Nkosi.

“Cheslin’s top-end speed and agility is probably one of the best in world rugby — that is definitely something we will miss,” Erasmus said. “But, aerially, Sbu is right up there. And power-wise, he brings something totally different to the party.”

Meanwhile, France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina has been hit with a sixweek ban for elbowing Wales’ Aaron Wainwright in the quarter-final.