By Matt Findlay

The Welsh just can’t take a trick.

After years of being dealt controversial blows at Rugby World Cups (RWC), Wales will be forced to play the entire 2015 tournament without two of their biggest stars.

Fullback Leigh Halfpenny – arguably one of the best custodians in world rugby – was ruled out after injuring his knee.

Halfback Rhys Webb – similarly, one of the better No.9s worldwide – had his RWC dreams squashed by a foot complaint.

So, how does Wales come back from such a hefty blow?

By using those now writing the side off as motivation, that’s how.

Wales coach Warren Gatland, already ruing the loss of star back Jonathon Davies earlier in the year, is confident his side can bounce back from these less than ideal circumstances.

He’s named former British and Irish Lion Mike Phillips in place of Webb, and Eli Walker in Halfpenny’s place.

“It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys,” Gatland said.

“They have worked exceptionally hard to establish themselves on the world stage and to prepare for the tournament and we wish them all the best with their recovery.

“After announcing the squad we spoke about the need for players to remain ready for action and is a great opportunity for Mike and Eli. It’s great that we can call on players of this calibre. To bring Mike’s experience into the squad is a bonus along with Eli’s exciting talent.”

The Welsh are pooled with the Wallabies, England, Fiji and Uruguay in the pool of death – pool A – and at the very least, there still remains a wealth of experience in the squad.

Wales kicks off its RWC campaign against Uruguay, at the very least giving Gatland’s troops one more game to fine tune everything before clashing with England in their second fixture.

 PLAYER TO WATCH: Gethin Jenkins (prop)

He’s already a record-breaking bookend – the most capped prop in Test history – and now Jenkins will play in his fourth RWC.

The 34-year-old is one of 12 players to survive from Wales’ agonising 9-8 semi-final loss to France at RWC 2011 and as the most experienced prop in the world, Gatland will look to Jenkins to dominate at scrum-time.

With his side’s back now against the wall after losing Halfpenny and Webb, the Welsh scrum will be even more important, and look to Jenkins to be the foundation Gatland will build around – despite the fact he’s playing loosehead rather than tighthead.

 SQUAD

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Dominic Day, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate, Jake King, Talupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (captain), Justin Tipuric.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Lloyd Williams, Mike Phillips, Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Cory Allen, Hallam Amos, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Liam Williams, Eli Walker, Matthew Morgan.

 WALLABIES WATCH

Do Wales pose a threat to the Wallabies?
A week ago, you’d have said yes, a huge threat.

Now, after fullback Leigh Halfpenny and halfback Rhys Webb have been ruled out of the entire tournament, Wales won’t be the same.

The Welsh will still be a good side of course, but without two of their best players and biggest attacking threats their odds have blown out.

But, Wales will be a side no doubt capable of causing a boilover against Australia and England as well, and with coach Warren Gatland saying the Welsh could prove to be all the more dangerous after the injuries.

However, on face value, Wales now poses a much smaller threat to the Wallabies’ progression.

 FIXTURES

Sunday, September 20: vs Uruguay; Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 2.30pm

Saturday, September 26: vs England; Twickenham, London; 8pm

Thursday, October 1: vs Fiji; Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 4.45pm

Saturday, October 10: vs Australia; Twickenham, London; 4.45pm