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Star Welsh fullback and goalkicker Leigh Halfpenny has been confirmed as missing the Rugby World Cup. The European Champions Cup winner with Toulon suffered an ACL injury late in the second half playing for Wales against Italy on Sunday. The injury is expected to require a six month recovery which will see him returning only in the fall.
Despite winning, the match for Wales was a disaster with scrumhalf Rhys Webb also leaving the field on a stretcher. The specifics of his injury are yet to materialize but it is certain that he is to join Halfpenny and center Jonathan Davies on the sidelines.
Wales is now set to be forced into rethinking which 31-men will play in the World Cup. New Zealander Gareth Anscombe is a heavy favorite to replace Halfpenny though James Hook, Eli Walker, Rhys Patchell and Tyler Morgan are also possibilities to step in for Halfpenny. Webb’s spot is likely to go to Mike Phillips.
Wales will begin their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on Sunday September 20 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. With the Welsh facing England six days later coach Warren Gatland will be unlikely to take risks and, as such, will probably be fielding a number of greater squad members to avoid further injuries.
