TOULON’S STRENGTH IN depth is so absurd that they could probably be hit with ten injuries and still be every bit as competitive but Leigh Halfpenny is one player that Bernard Laporte would definitely want every week.
Halfpenny only returned this weekend after suffering a concussion in the Six Nations finale against Italy but he is now in danger of missing the Champions Cup semi-final after shipping this massive hit against Grenoble.
Wales Online are reporting that Halfpenny has suffered a minor shoulder dislocation and it is not known if the Welsh fullback will be able to play in next weekend’s game.
While Halfpenny has a strong replacement in Delon Armitage, it is his goal kicking that will be really missed. Freddie Michalak has taking the kicks in recent weeks but over the course of his career he has been quite erratic from the tee.
Matt Giteau is another goal kicking option but he is very short of match fitness as returns from a groin injury.
Leinster will be following this situation closely throughout the week, as will Toulon fans, because they won’t want Michalak to be their primary goal kicker for such a big game.
If there’s one thing the Frenchman’s career has taught us it’s that he tends to perform better when he’s a luxury rather than a necessity.
