Just when Wales looked to be building up a head of steam.
Warren Gatland has been hit with a double injury blow to two of his backs that will rule them out of all contention for the remainder of the tournament.
Both Scott Williams and Hallam Amos have seen their Rugby World Cup campaigns come to a cruel end in the wake of what was a momentous England victory.
With the country having already confirmed that Liam Williams will take no part against Fiji, it is worse news Scott and Amos whose injuries are much more severe.
That win in Twickenham came at a cost with Scott Williams going down with a knee injury – suspected cruciate damage – and Amos dislocating his shoulder.
Speculation was rife as to who would replace the pair if the worse did come to a head – as it has – but Gatland has wasted no time in calling up veteran James Hook and Gareth Anscombe in their places.
Wales squad update: Scott Williams (knee) and Hallam Amos (shoulder) ruled out of RWC squad. James Hook and Gareth Anscombe called in.
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 28, 2015
Wales face Fiji on Thursday but aren’t back out again with their final group clash against Australia on October 10.
If nothing else it will give Hook and Anscombe a chance – a very fleeting one – to get up to speed.
Meanwhile England have called Nick Easter into their squad after it was confirmed No8 Billy Vunipola will miss the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.
