JOHN MITCHELL, on the Vodacom Rugby Portal, draws on his pre-World Cup experiences in 1999 and 2003 to explain why preparation for the showpiece is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The warm-up matches were an important part of a number of teams' preparations ahead of the World Cup, but with the reward of game time came the risk of injury.

Wales have been hit the hardest in this regard, with star fullback Leigh Halfpenny and in-form scrumhalf Rhys Webb ruled out of the tournament after sustaining injuries against Italy in Cardiff this past Saturday.

Read the rest of Mitchell's column

Photo: Walesonline.co.uk