Wales will be without Leigh Halfpenny against South Africa on Saturday. The Lions’ full-back has not recovered from the concussion he suffered after being clattered by Samu Kerevi during the victory over Australia this month, creating a dilemma in his position and at outside-half for a side seeking a first autumn clean sweep.
South Africa stick with their back-up scrum-halves as De Klerk stays at Sale
Wales have options at full-back in Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe, but the latter has been the first-choice outside-half this month. Halfpenny’s absence leaves the goal-kicking role to fill and their next most accurate player from the tee is Dan Biggar, who played at No 10 against Tonga on Saturday.
“Leigh did some training on Saturday but was still feeling light-headed,” said the Wales attack coach, Rob Howley. “Player welfare comes first so he will miss out this weekend but George North is back in full training.” North sustained a dead leg against Australia.
“It is disappointing to lose a player of Leigh’s quality, but it gives someone else an opportunity and we feel we have developed strength in depth in the back three. A couple of years ago, selection did not take too long but now it is a really healthy debate. Liam can step up at full-back, Gareth has played there and Hallam Amos is back. It is about getting the right mix.”
Asked if it had been hard to leave out the experienced Biggar against Scotland and Australia, Howley said: “Not really. Everyone has debated the outside-half position for years in Wales and that will never change. With our 10s it is about the skill-set and the quality we have in the position. They are all different: Gareth played particularly well against Australia but equally so did Dan, and Rhys Patchell, last weekend.”
It took Wales 93 years to secure their first victory over South Africa, but they have won the past three matches between the sides. “They are always tough games against them and they will be highly motivated,” Howley added. “We are going for nine wins in a row and it is really special to be a part of that. I have never experienced a squad with such strength in depth: international rugby is not always about style but substance, and we have had that in the last few weeks.”
South Africa started their tour with a one-point defeat at Twickenham but then pipped France and Scotland. A side who were downbeat and dispirited in Cardiff a year ago have rediscovered themselves. “We want back to how we have traditionally played rugby,” said their Wasps full-back, Willie le Roux. “There was a stage when people did not fear the Springboks any more but we are getting that back through the structures the coaches have put in place.
“Guys are playing for each other more and we are building nicely. I was not involved last year and there were times I wondered if I ever would be again. I watched a game against France as a spectator and it rekindled the flame in me. I hope to play in the World Cup, a tournament that promises to be open with international matches so tight now.”