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Autumn Internationals | Autumn Internationals
Nov 24, 2018 at 5.20pm UK
 
Wales
20-11
South Africa
Francis (10'), Williams (16')
FT
Kriel (56')

Halfpenny misses Wales clash with South Africa due to concussion

Halfpenny misses Wales clash with South Africa due to concussion
© Reuters
The full-back suffered concussion after a challenge by Australia centre Samu Kerevi.

Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales' Under Armour Series finale against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

The goalkicking full-back suffered concussion following a challenge by Australia centre Samu Kerevi when Wales beat the Wallabies 10 days ago.

Kerevi escaped sanction following the incident, but Wales have now lost 80 times-capped Halfpenny for the Springboks fixture.

Wales Leigh Halfpenny kicks for goal before his concussion injury against Australia
Wales Leigh Halfpenny kicks for goal before his concussion injury against Australia (David Davies/PA Images).

"Leigh is out," Wales assistant coach Rob Howley told reporters at Wales' training base on Tuesday.

"He did some training on Saturday morning, and he was still feeling a little bit light-headed.

"It is just a commonsense approach, really. A player's welfare comes first. He unfortunately misses out this weekend."

Liam Williams is a candidate to replace Halfpenny at fullback for the South Africa match
Liam Williams is a candidate to replace Halfpenny at fullback for the South Africa match (David Davies/PA Images).

Wales have options in the number 15 shirt, with Liam Williams, who started on the wing and scored two tries against Tonga last weekend, one candidate.

And fly-half Gareth Anscombe could be another contender as Wales look to complete a first clean sweep of autumn Test victories.

They are also chasing a ninth successive win against all opponents, which would equal their longest unbeaten run since 1999.

George North is back in training after recovering from a dead leg
George North is back in training after recovering from a dead leg (David Davies/PA Images).

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to announce his startling line-up on Thursday.

Halfpenny is Wales' first-choice goalkicker and has amassed more than 700 points for his country, but Wales also have strong options in that area with the likes of Anscombe, Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell.

Howley, meanwhile, confirmed that wing George North is back in training after suffering a dead leg during the Wallabies clash.

"I'm glad to say George North is back in full training," Howley added. "He trained this morning and is available for selection."

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