“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.”
Wales say 26-year-old Webb requires further assessments on both his foot and knee before it is known whether he requires surgery.
Five classic Rugby World Cup Matches
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Gatland, meanwhile, has come under fire from former Wales greats Shane Williams and JJ Williams over his decision to risk Halfpenny against Italy.
“I saw Leigh warming up and noticed his knee had been strapped up ,” said Shane Williams. “I 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’s just horrendous for Wales. Rhys Webb has been the form player for Wales over the last two seasons. To lose Halfpenny as well, it’s just a massive blow and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. It is a real kick in the teeth.”
Williams’s namesake and fellow Lion, JJ, was similarly bemused at the selection, saying: “The bandaging on his leg was enormous, so there was a problem there. I think it was a bad decision to play him.”
