Liam Williams set to miss World Cup semi-final with ankle injury – reports
Wales look set to be without full-back Liam Williams for their World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Sunday.
Saracens star Williams suffered an ankle injury during training, according to reports.
The PA news agency has contacted the Welsh Rugby Union for comment. The Wales team to face South Africa is due to be announced on Friday at 0330 BST.
🏴 v 🇿🇦#RWC2019pic.twitter.com/LPaV9FhS13
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 20, 2019
Williams, who has won 62 caps, is an integral part of Wales’ World Cup assault, and his absence would be a huge blow.
Should the 28-year-old be ruled out of Sunday’s game, then Scarlets full-back Leigh Halfpenny is likely to replace him.
Experienced Halfpenny has made one start in the tournament so far – against final pool stage opponents Uruguay – and he went on as a replacement against Georgia.
He is Wales’ third-highest points scorer in Test history behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones.
Williams, meanwhile, was in contention for a remarkable individual grand slam this year.
He helped Wales land the Six Nations title in March, then shone when Saracens won the Heineken Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership, and he was chasing World Cup glory in Japan.
But his World Cup ambitions might now be over, depriving Wales of arguably the northern hemisphere’s finest attacking full-back.
So humbled by all the messages I have received, thank you all so much 🙌🏽 To have had the chance to play in the World Cup is something that I’ve dreamt of since I was a child and it’s been amazing. This isn't the way I wanted it to end but I know the boys will bring it home 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/DDgZajTNTT
— Josh Navidi (@Jnavidi) October 21, 2019
Wales lost back-row forward Josh Navidi from the tournament after he suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s 20-19 quarter-final victory over France.
Ross Moriarty, who scored a late try in that game, is set to replace him in the back-row against South Africa, lining up alongside flankers Aaron Wainwright and Justin Tipuric.
Wales have been waiting on centre Jonathan Davies following a knee injury sustained against Fiji a fortnight ago.
Williams’ British and Irish Lions Test team-mate missed the France game, although Wales have been making positive noises about him this week.
Owen Watkin deputised for Davies against Les Bleus, partnering Hadleigh Parkes in midfield.
South Africa, meanwhile, have lost the services of wing Cheslin Kolbe on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
And if Williams misses out it would deprive the showpiece occasion in Yokohama of two box-office stars.
