Devastating injury blow for Wales
Wales have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup semifinal against the Springboks on Sunday.
Influential utility back Liam Williams is out with an ankle injury he suffered in a training field collision.
He will be replaced by the vastly experienced Leigh Halfpenny‚ who wins his 85th cap on Sunday. Williams will be missed. He provides cutting-edge thrust from fullback and his incursions into the line usually require some scrambling in the opposition defence.
His strapping physique also gives him the edge in aerial battles and Wales will be poorer for it in that department now that they have the shorter Halfpenny at the back.
Halfpenny does‚ however‚ provide them with a trusty boot and a very calm head. His accuracy from long range may come in handy.
“Williams is undoubtedly a big loss from an attacking viewpoint and what he has achieved in the game in the past year or so‚” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
“But bringing in the experience of someone like Leigh Halfpenny gives us a different element.
“He is defensively probably the best fullback in the world in terms of his aerial game and field coverage.”
Obviously the loss of Williams has piqued interest in the SA camp.
“He’s a quality player. He’ sa dangerous player‚” Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said.
“It is a big blow for them but they have a world-class player in Leigh Halfpenny.”
Significantly‚ however, experienced centre Jonathan Davies was deemed fit enough to take up position in midfield next to Hadleigh Parkes for the 14th time. Only Scott Gibbs and Mark Taylor (17)‚ along with Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts (40)‚ have started together more in the midfield for Wales in the professional era.
In total‚ Wales have made three changes from the starting XV that defeated France 20-19 in the quarterfinal.
Besides Halfpenny‚ Davies returns from injury‚ replacing Owen Watkin‚ who drops to the bench.
Ross Moriarty comes in for the injured Josh Navidi at number 8.
Wales have five changes from the side that defeated SA 20-11 last November‚ while Gareth Davies will become the 47th player to win 50 caps.
Wales have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup semifinal against the Springboks on Sunday
The team is: Leigh Halfpenny, George North‚ Jonathan Davies‚ Hadleigh Parkes‚ Josh Adams, Dan Biggar‚ Gareth Davies, Ross Moriarty‚ Justin Tipuric‚ Aaron Wainwright, Alun Wyn Jones (captain)‚ Jake Ball, Tomas Francis‚ Ken Owens‚ Wyn Jones. Substitutes: Elliot Dee‚ Rhys Carre‚ Dillon Lewis‚ Adam Beard ‚ Aaron Shingler, Tomos Williams ‚ Rhys Patchell‚ Owen Watkin.