Warren Gatland has wished England well for the World Cup final against South Africa and also hailed their stunning semi-final defeat of New Zealand.
England head coach Eddie Jones taunted Gatland after the Wales boss appeared to question whether England had played their final a game early by overwhelming the All Blacks.
Gatland was speaking after his team had been beaten 19-16 by South Africa, which sent them into Friday’s bronze medal match against New Zealand.
Halfpenny had concussion issues last season, being sidelined for several weeks and missing a number of games for Wales and Scarlets.
The Welsh Rugby Union, meanwhile, said that Francis’ shoulder injury will require ongoing assessment, while Gatland confirmed that ankle injury victim Liam Williams, who was hurt in training last week, had undergone surgery in the United Kingdom.
Gatland’s reign ends after the All Blacks game, concluding a 12-year tenure highlighted by Wales winning four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and reaching two World Cup semi-finals.
