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Late withdrawal forces Wales to rejig their backline
By 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.
The British and Irish Lions full-back was withdrawn after aggravating his hamstring playing for the Scarlets.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.
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A WRU statement reads: "Leigh Halfpenny has been withdrawn from the Wales starting XV following an aggravation of his hamstring injury sustained on club duty.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."
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Latest Comments
It doesn’t say anything, particularly. No10 isn’t the only position in a team and not the sole determiner of who wins or loses.
Go to commentsThe manner of all these comments is that it doesn’t matter who plays No10 for the All Blacks, apparently they are all rubbish!
Seriously, people need to get a grip and stop obsessing over every tiny error made from an overscrutinised position. DMac was good this year for the most part, as was Beauden Barrett. Mo’unga was good last year and would be an asset in the group if he did come back. I don’t see it as an area of concern.
The main concern in 2025 is finding another world class lock and loose forward, followed by some scrutiny over the midfield combination in my view.
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