Warren Gatland stands by ill-fated Leigh Halfpenny decision

Warren Gatland has defended his decision to play Leigh Halfpenny in Wales’ final World Cup warm-up game against Italy.

British and Irish Lions full-back Halfpenny suffered a serious knee injury in the closing minutes of Wales’ 23-19 victory in Cardiff on Saturday and has been ruled out of the World Cup.

Wales legend Shane Williams questioned Gatland’s decision to play Halfpenny given the goal-kicker’s importance to the national team, saying the 26-year-old should have been wrapped up in cotton wool ahead of the tournament.