While his Wales team-mates are preparing for a bruising encounter against the All Blacks this Friday, crocked full-back Liam Williams has just checked into hospital for his operation.
The Saracens flyer was forced to miss Wales' crucial semi-final clash against South Africa on Sunday owing to an ankle injury he sustained in training last week.
The 28-year-old is now back in the UK and is already preparing to undergo surgery, despite having left Japan only yesterday, after he uploaded a picture in a hospital bed in London's Fortius Surgical Centre.
It is as yet unknown how long the player will be sidelined for and how much of Saracens' season he will miss.
Williams, who won the Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup last year, has already entered the final year of his contract at the North London club and it might well be his final season there.
WalesOnline understands that the Ospreys are trying to bring the player back to Wales next season, with the Scarlets also monitoring his situation.
The Liberty Stadium outfit have emerged as leading contenders to land the full-back, with the Scarlets' move hinging on whether they retain the services of Leigh Halfpenny, who is also entering the final year of his deal in West Wales.
But for the immediate future, at least, Williams will have to concentrate on his rehabilitation.
He expressed his disappointment ahead of the Springboks clash, sending a message of support to his fellow team-mates ahead of the heartbreaking defeat in Yokohama.
"Gutted to have picked up an injury at this stage in the tournament," he wrote ahead of the semi-final clash.
"Thank you for the support over the past few months, you’ve been amazing!
"I would like to wish @welshrugbyunion all the best for the next two games, bring it home boys!"
Williams was forced to watch on from the touchline in Yokohama while wearing a protective boot, but he will likely be cast-bound for the foreseeable future as the ankle surgery takes its toll.
