WARREN Gatland says there is no time for Welsh wallowing after the crushing injury blows to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, writes Chris Kirwan.

The key pair have been ruled out of the World Cup after being stretchered off in the final warm-up game at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday.

Full-back Halfpenny has been a vital figure in defence and from the kicking tee while scrum-half Webb established himself in the 9 jersey last season, crossing for tries in the Tests against Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Italy.

Gatland yesterday named Ospreys wing Eli Walker and seasoned scrum-half Mike Phillips as their replacements and while he said it was "devastating" for two of his key players, stressed that Wales have to focus on the job at hand.

"We've got others who can step up and do a job, and a different job," said the New Zealander.

"I am not going to dwell on those injuries because they are gone now. I've got to start thinking about being positive, what we have got in the squad and the players who can do a job for us.

"If we start feeling sorry for ourselves after picking up two injuries then it will affect the squad and our preparation. It's disappointing, it's sad but we've got to move forward.

"We've got to have confidence in the squad and I look back at a Test match that we probably lost twice in one game in South Africa. Both those players weren't involved in that game.

"We know that we are strong up front and Liam Williams is a different type of attacking player while it's potentially an opportunity for Gareth Davies, who is in great shape, to take this tournament by storm."

Former Wales wings Shane Williams and JJ Williams have questioned the decision to play Halfpenny as he had heavy strapping on his right knee going into the game but Gatland defended the decision.

"Leigh had that strapping on before the game in Dublin. It's something he'd had there for the last three weeks and used it when he was kicking," he said.

"He said he didn't really need the strapping, but because he'd been using it for the last two or three weeks, he put it on."

He continued: "I know there has been some criticism about protecting players and you always question yourself about that.

"It's just trying to get the balance right between players having enough rugby and keeping players fresh."