Jonathan Davies was named in the starting XV for Wales’ quarter-final clash with France at the Rugby World Cup earlier this week.
The centre has picked up a knee injury during Wales’ 29-17 win over Fiji 11 days ago and was left out of their final group game against Uruguay.
His absence was no cause for concern though as Warren Gatland rested most of his first-choice players to avoid fatigue affecting their performance in the knockout stages.
And it appeared that Davies had recovered in time to face the French when he was listed next to Hadleigh Parkes in the centres.
However, less than an hour before kick-off, Wales were forced to announce a change to their team.
A WRU statement said: ‘Jonathan Davies has been removed from the match day 23 due to an aggravation of the knee injury he sustained in the game against Fiji.
‘Owen Watkin starts at 13 with Leigh Halfpenny coming onto the bench.’
Davies had trained all week but with strapping on his left leg and his coach Gatland revealed that Saturday had not been a good day for the British and Irish Lion.
‘He didn’t get through yesterday’s captain’s run and we checked him this morning and he was not fit,’ Gatland told ITV.
‘He made the tough decision to do what was best for the team.
‘Hopefully with some rest and the right rehab, he would be available next week, if we get through.’
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