Wales star Jonathan Davies has admitted that he feared the worst after suffering a knee injury that stalled his Rugby World Cup campaign.
Davies will line up against semi-final opponents South Africa on Sunday following a successful fight back to fitness.
He was hurt during the pool victory over Fiji 16 days ago, and missed Wales’ tense quarter-final success against France.
Scarlets centre Davies was ruled out of the entire 2015 World Cup because of a knee ligament injury sustained while playing in France for Clermont Auvergne.
“I trained fully on Wednesday and there was no reaction, so it’s so far, so good,” he said.
“I am confident in it, and I was just glad the scans came back all clear and I’ve been able to push on and get back fit.
“It was sore when he (Wales doctor) was testing it (during the Fiji game), and I did fear the worst, to be honest.
“I would like to think I know my own body quite well, and I did have a bad feeling. Thankfully, I don’t know it too well! It was good news with the scan.”
Davies will be a key part of Wales’ bid to reach a first World Cup final as he resumes his tried and tested midfield partnership with Scarlets colleague Hadleigh Parkes.
“After being injured for the last World Cup, my goal was to make the next one, and I have loved being out here,” he added.
“I have been able to get back in the team and hopefully be part of something extremely special.”