WALES’ World Cup hopes have suffered a blow after star scrum-half Rhys Webb was stretchered off with what appears to be a serious ankle injury in their final warm-up against Italy.

The Ospreys ace – who scored tries against Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Italy last season – was in agony after getting his left leg trapped at a ruck.

The 26-year-old received lengthy treatment on the field after referee George Clancy stopped play immediately but his World Cup looks over, potentially leading to a late reprieve for Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips.

Wales will now have to cope with a man who has helped make them tick over the past year, taking his club form onto the Test stage with Ospreys half-back partner Dan Biggar.

More to come...