Leigh Halfpenny back for Wales’ Six Nations defense

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is set to make his Millennium Stadium return on Saturday – nine weeks after a “frightening” injury blow saw him detained overnight in hospital. The Cardiff No 15 will be a key part of Wales’ armoury as they launch their RBS Six Nations title defence against Ireland in Cardiff.

And the contrast could hardly be greater, given that his last appearance there ended with him being carried off and taken to University Hospital Wales for scans on a neck injury.

With typical disregard for his own welfare, Halfpenny was hurt attempting to halt the move that led to Australia’s dramatic late try from Kurtley Beale that saw Wales agonisingly beaten 14-12.

“It was pretty worrying at the time,” Halfpenny said yesterday, as Wales cranked up preparations for Ireland’s visit.

“I had a dead arm for half-an-hour and I was not sure what sort of damage had been done, so the scans were pretty good news because they showed no nerves had been damaged.

“I was conscious the whole time, but not sure what had happened. I was aware of a numbness in my arm and it was frightening.

“The medical staff were superb and it looked worse than it turned out to be.”

Halfpenny, who is poised to win his 40th cap this weekend, said: “The first game in the Six Nations is always important because of the confidence a win brings.”