Leigh Halfpenny backs Tom Croft over spit row

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny this evening defended Tom Croft, saying that the England flanker did not spit at him during Sunday's Six Nations battle.

Footage emerged that appeared to show Croft spitting at Halfpenny during a first-half ruck at the Millennium Stadium.

However, both Halfpenny and Croft have denied the reports.

Halfpenny wrote on Twitter tonight: "Guys, just to confirm @tomcroft6 didn't do what's being alleged of him. He's a top bloke and a great player!"

Croft yesterday dismissed the claims on Twitter, saying: "Just to clarify, I did NOT spit on @LeighHalfpenny1 during the Eng v Wal match, I think it's disgusting and has no place in the game."

Croft was making his first start in a year for England as the visitors failed to wrap up a Grand Slam, with Wales nicking the Six Nations crown.