Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Late withdrawal forces Wales to rejig their backline

By PA
Leigh Halfpenny /PA

Leigh Halfpenny was ruled out of Wales’ Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand less than 90 minutes before kick-off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

ADVERTISEMENT

The British and Irish Lions full-back was withdrawn after aggravating his hamstring playing for the Scarlets.

Gareth Anscombe was switched to full-back, with Rhys Priestland starting at fly-half and Sam Costelow joining the replacements.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

Halfpenny has not played for Wales since suffering a major knee injury in his 100th international against Canada in July 2021.

A WRU statement reads: “Leigh Halfpenny has been withdrawn from the Wales starting XV following an aggravation of his hamstring injury sustained on club duty.

“Gareth Anscombe moves to fullback and Rhys Priestland will start at fly half.

“Sam Costelow joins the Wales replacements wearing number 22.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Kubota Spears vs Saitama Wild Knights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

O2 Inside Line: All In | Episode 6 | Le Crunch

The Unexpected Journey to USA 7s Glory | Aaron Cummings | Sevens Wonders

USA vs Japan | Full Match Replay

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Tackling reasons for drop-out in sport | Zainab Alema | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

LONG READ
LONG READ As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right? As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?
Search