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'It doesn't look good' - Cardiff dented by Liam Williams injury news
By Stefan Frost
Liam Williams could face a long stint on the side-line after he suffered a collarbone injury in Cardiff’s impressive 20-13 win against Munster in their URC opener yesterday.
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The fullback was a blockbuster summer signing for the Welsh province, but lasted just 20 minutes on his debut for the club before trundling off the field with his arm in a makeshift sling.
The severity of the injury is yet to be determined but early indications are not good, which does not sit lightly on Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young’s conscience, who already lost winger Owen Lane in the warm-up.
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“It’s a collarbone injury, it doesn’t look good,” said Young. “The physios have had a look at it and it looks quite a significant injury. I have no idea over the timescale or how bad it is, but he doesn’t come off easily.
“He was in a lot of pain. The doctor thinks it was definitely a collarbone. How bad it is we’ll see in the next 24 hours.”
Cardiff started the game brightly, taking an early lead through Max Llewellyn’s try. Williams was in fine form in the early exchanges until his day took a nightmare turn when he tackled Munster winger Calvin Nash. After making contact, he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and remained on the ground, visibly in pain.
Medics were ushered onto the field and, after a lengthy assessment, pulled Williams off with his arm wrapped in his jersey.
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The full-back was later taken to hospital for further medical examination. That will worry Wales coach Wayne Pivac who has the upcoming autumn internationals to plan for.
With the severity of Williams’ injury yet to be determined, Pivac faces an anxious wait to find out whether he will be without a stalwart in his back-three when Wales face New Zealand on 5 November.
They will subsequently take on Argentina, Georgia and Australia.
Of course, Pivac and his staff are not the only ones crossing their fingers that news in the coming days is positive. A long-term injury to Williams would immediately hamper Cardiff, who have six fixtures before the autumn internationals kick off.
That being said, they did show great resolve in Williams’ absence, holding on to claim a rare win over Munster. At the heart of Cardiff’s triumph was Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, who was also making his debut for the club.
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From the off he oozed class at the Arms Park and will have to put in similar displays if Cardiff are to remain competitive this season.
