Halfpenny in doubt for Euro semi

 

The European treble-chasing French side are all set to meet Leinster at Stade Velodrome, Marseille, on Sunday – the same venue at which Halfpenny scored a try and kicked a long-range penalty in Cardiff Blues' Challenge Cup final win over Toulon in 2009.

 

The 26-year-old, highest scorer for the reigning champions in Europe this season, missed the quarterfinal victory over Wasps as he continued to recover from the concussion he suffered playing for Wales against Italy in the final game of the 2015 6 Nations when he took a knee from Samuela Vunisa to the side of his head in a tackle.

 

He had proved his fitness, and his value to the team, by scoring 13 points in the first-half in Grenoble. But he then failed to return for the second-half having reportedly suffered a minor dislocation of his right shoulder.

 

Halfpenny missed last years Wales tour of South Africa after picking up the injury in a tackle on England centre Luther Burrell in the 2014 6 Nations clash at Twickenham. On that occasion he was out of action for four months.

 

The former Cardiff Blues fullback saw the start of his career at Toulon delayed by a persistent groin problem, but he has since gone on to prove his worth by scoring 72 points in five pool matches.

 

Halfpenny suffered a sickening concussion during Wales' final Six Nations match against Italy, appearing in serious discomfort after trying and failing to scramble to his feet following a tackle on Samuela Vunisa.

 

Toulon's victory moved them three points clear at the top of the Top 14 on a weekend when their closest rivals, Clermont Auvergne, were beaten at home by Oyonnax, 10-11.

 

Source: @ChampionsCup