a HalfPenny for your thoughts ruled out with concussion

Cardiff - Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of the Wales side for their Test against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday after suffering concussion against Australia.

READ: Boks v Wales: THAT bogey analysed

The Scarlets fullback was on the receiving end of a challenge by Australia centre Samu Kerevi when Wales beat the Wallabies on November 10.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley confirmed on Tuesday that Halfpenny would miss the Springboks game.

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

Flyhalf Gareth Anscombe could be another contender as Wales look to complete a first 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.

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

"Leigh is out," said Howley. "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."

Halfpenny is the first-choice goal-kicker, with more than 700 points for his country, but Wales have other strong options in that area, able to call on Anscombe, Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell.

Howley 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."

His kicking has not been as consistent in the last match, perhaps related to the concussion.

No Halfpenny, but George North is a big weapon. Interesting. I don't know which way this test will go. The Wallaby vs Wales encounter most often is a garbled mess, but then they play us, it's much tougher and tighter. Not many open games the past eighteen years. Though I'd give their backline the edge, even if we have the more dominant halfbacks. 

Halfpenny is a class act ... far better than the chump we have at 15.

I've been away for a few months and must say that I'm not surprised to find you still spouting the same old horseshit.

Don't think I'll ever forget your rendition of how McCaw was bested by your hero Oupa Mohoje.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahaaa!!!   

Poepies at his best.

Herr Drache was beaten to a pulp. It was tragic how Thelma abandoned Louise. Shame on you.

Of course, Drache has a problem with the darker folk. I can also say where he has been the past couple of months...

Halfpenny three year ago would have been better than he is now.   I think too many injuries have had a negative impact on him.  

It will be interesting to see which forwards Erasmus will select for Saturday.   I have a feeling that both Snyman and Mostert will be gone and the lock combination will be Etzebeth, De jager and Schickerlinng.

I also think that it is very likely that Willemse will be on the bench.