2015 Rugby World Cup Preview: Wales

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 estab
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