Shane Williams: 'Leigh Halfpenny could have been rested'

Shane Williams has questioned Warren Gatland's decision to leave Leigh Halfpenny on the pitch late in Wales's Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Italy at the weekend.

The full-back kicked five penalties in the 23-19 win at the Millennium Stadium, but was stretchered off with a knee injury, putting his involvement in the World Cup in doubt.

The country's record try scorer told Sky Sports News: "It's just horrendous for Wales. Rhys Webb [who also left the game on a stretcher] has been the form player for Wales over the last two seasons. To lose Halfpenny as well, it's just a massive blow for Wales and it couldn't have come at a worse time.

"You kind of thought 'do we need this guy on the field? Let's wrap him up in cotton wool and roll him out when we really need him'. It is a massive blow and Wales is in mourning already."

Wales face Uruguay in their opening match of the World Cup later this month.