Liam Williams: Wales full-back set to miss South Africa semi-final after injuring ankle in training

Leigh Halfpenny is set to replace the full-back

Liam Williams has emerged as a major doubt for Wales’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

The full-back is believed to have injured his ankle in training ahead of the game.

Williams has emerged as an increasingly key player for Wales over the last few years, initially on the wing and now in the 15 shirt.

He has started four of Wales’ five games at the World Cup, scoring in the wins over Georgia and Fiji.

But with his ankle injury appearing to be serious, Leigh Halfpenny is likely to be named to start at full-back for the semi-final against the Springboks.

Wales are fortunate to have two British and Irish Lions full-backs in their squad, with Halfpenny a more-than-able deputy, but they will miss Williams’ ability to counter-attack, particularly in a game that is expected to be forward dominated and decided by a few moments.

Halfpenny will add a long-range kicking option, and, indeed, a reliable alternative to Dan Biggar from the tee if required.

Capped 84 times for Wales, Halfpenny started Wales’ last World Cup semi-final, against France in 2011.

Wing Owen Lane was called up to the Welsh squad earlier in the week - replacing back-rower Josh Navidi – giving Wales further back-three depth if needed.

Jonathan Davies is expected to be fit to start the semi-final after pulling out of the starting lineup ahead of the win over France.

Warren Gatland names his team for the semi-final on Friday morning.