Halfpenny ruled out of Wales team for Springbok Test

Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of the Wales side for their Test against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday after suffering concussion against Australia.
The Scarlets full-back was on the receiving end of a challenge by Australia centre Samu Kerevi when Wales beat the Wallabies on November 10.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley confirmed yesterday that Halfpenny would miss the Springboks game.
Wales have options at number 15, with Liam Williams, who started on the wing and scored two tries against Tonga last weekend, one candidate.
Fly-half Gareth Anscombe could be another contender as Wales look to complete a first sweep of autumn Test victories.
They are also chasing a ninth successive win against all opponents, which would equal their longest unbeaten run since 1999.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is due to announce his startling line-up today.
“Leigh is out,” said Howley. “He did some training on Saturday morning, and he was still feeling a little bit light-headed.
“It is just a commonsense approach, really. A player’s welfare comes first. He unfortunately misses out this weekend.”
Halfpenny is the first-choice goal-kicker, with more than 700 points for his country, but Wales have other strong options in that area, able to call on Anscombe, Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell.
Howley confirmed that wing George North is back in training after suffering a dead leg during the Wallabies clash.
“I’m glad to say George North is back in full training,” Howley added. “He trained this morning and is available for selection.”

Injured Ashton ruled out of Australia clash
England wing Chris Ashton is unavailable for Saturday’s rugby union Test with Australia because of a calf injury, forwards coach Steve Borthwick said on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old returned to the England squad for the November series after a hiatus of more than four years and played in all three Tests this month.
He capped his return by scoring a try in the 16-15 defeat to world champions New Zealand.
However, the former Saracens and Toulon star - who is now at Sale - left the field after just half an hour of last Saturday’s win over Japan and Borthwick confirmed he would not be fit for the Wallabies match.
“Chris was scanned yesterday and has been ruled out for a couple of weeks,” said Borthwick.
Borthwick conceded that Ashton – who made his name in rugby league before switching codes in 2007 – will be a major loss to England.
“Chris is a fantastic player who knows his way to the try-line,” Borthwick said.
“He’s been great around the squad the last few weeks.
“It’s very disappointing but it gives an opportunity to another player. We have a lot of good wingers.”
England head coach Eddie Jones – who will be looking to make it three wins from four Tests in November having also scraped a narrow win over South Africa – will name his starting line-up today.