Welsh anger as Halfpenny concussion is confirmed

WALES are angry with referee Ben O’Keeffe’s decision not to sanction Australia centre Samu Kerevi after he collided with Leigh Halfpenny on Saturday.

Late in the game, Halfpenny cleared his lines just before the 105kg centre thundered into him.

The Welshman was left sprawled on the Principality Stadium turf and was forced from the field to undertake a HIA. It has now been revealed that he suffered concussion.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones pleaded with O’Keeffe to consider at least a penalty but the Kiwi called it a ‘rugby incident’ and turned away.

Halfpenny will now have to go through the relevant concussion protocols this week.

“It’s unbelievable, how do you think that’s not a penalty?” said skills coach Neil Jenkins.

“I’m not quite sure what the rules are stating at this moment in time but Halfers doesn’t go down lightly, he’s a tough old player.

“He’s constantly getting up and keeping playing.

“For him to go down and suffer a HIA, there’s certainly some sort of head contact but the ref didn’t think so on the day.

“We’ve got to get on with it. He’ll go through his protocols and see where he’s at later in the week.”

Just last week, match officials were ‘reminded of their obligations in sanctioning illegal no arms tackles and high tackles’ at a meeting between World Rugby, officials and head coaches.

In other news, George North is being monitored this week after suffering a dead leg during the 9-6 victory over the Wallabies and Tomas Francis is also receiving treatment.

“Francis is OK. He’ll be alright,” added Jenkins, “we’ll see how he goes in the next few days. It’s the culmination of a tough Test match.

“These boys go through the mill when they play but hopefully he’ll be fine and be in contention.

“George North is the same. We’ll see how he goes the next few days.

“He had a heavy knock and couldn’t play any further part in the game. They’ll go through the treatment.”

Scarlets tight-head Samson Lee has been ruled out of the rest of the autumn, having not played a part, as he continues to battle back from a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Rhys Patchell is in the frame to face Tonga at the Principality Stadium on Saturday after being deemed available for selection.