Leigh Halfpenny expected to deputise for Saracens man
Friday 25 October 2019 06:57, UK
Wales full-back Liam Williams looks set to miss Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa through injury.
The British and Irish Lion suffered an ankle injury in training on Wednesday afternoon and, if he is ruled out, Leigh Halfpenny is the leading candidate to deputise.
Williams has won 62 caps for Wales and is considered one of the best attacking full-backs in world rugby.
He has been one of the stand-out performers for Wales at the World Cup, scoring tries in the wins over Georgia and Fiji.
And he has enjoyed an incredible 2019 so far, helping Wales to a Grand Slam and Saracens to a Champions Cup-Premiership double.
However, potential replacement Halfpenny has a huge amount of international experience, having been capped 84 times by Wales and four times by the British and Irish Lions - winning player of the series honours when they beat Australia in 2013.
He is Wales' third-highest points scorer in Test history behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones.
Versatile back Owen Lane of Cardiff is also available if needed, having been called into the squad when back-row man Josh Navidi was ruled out - due to fitness doubts over centres Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes.
Wales have been waiting on Davies following a knee injury sustained against Fiji a fortnight ago.
Williams' British and Irish Lions Test team-mate missed the semi-final win over France, but Wales are hopeful he will be fit for Sunday.
Owen Watkin deputised for Davies against Les Bleus, partnering Parkes in midfield.
