Halfpenny speaks of devastation in first interview since a knee injury ended his World Cup dream

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny says he's devastated to be missing out on the World Cup, but has no doubt that Wales can go all the way in the tournament.

Speaking for the first time since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Wales' final warm-up match, the 26 year old said he knew there was a chance his World Cup was over before it had begun when he felt his knee jar.

Watch Nick Hartley's report:

Halfpenny praised the work of the medical staff, who took him off the pitch, and spoke of the disappointment he felt when he received the call from the team physio to say he'd ruptured ACL and was out of the tournament. He said that while it was hard to take, injury is 'part and parcel of the game' and he's now focussing on rehabilitation and getting everything right so he can come back 'fully recharged and raring to go.'

Halfpenny wasn't the only injury blow Wales suffered in that game, with Rhys Webb also sidelined. He says that while the squad has shown both of them support, he knows their focus will now be back on the tournament and Sunday's first match against Uruguay.

Head coach Warren Gatland has spent the past few months ensuring his team is ready for the World Cup challenge and Halfpenny says the squad will use the disappointment they suffered in the last tournament to fuel their determination this time round.

Halfpenny says Gatland has 'extremely high' standards for his players and if they don't reach them, he'll let them know and brings the best out of players.

While his World Cup dream may be over for now, Halfpenny says he'll still be supporting Wales from the sidelines and has no doubt they'll get out of the group stages.