Neil Jenkins has described as “unbelievable” the decision not to award Wales a penalty against Australia after the challenge that floored full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed on Monday that Halfpenny is suffering from concussion and currently following relevant protocols.
The 80-cap Scarlets star was forced off following the 73rd-minute challenge by Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi.
Kerevi clattered into Halfpenny after the Wales player kicked to touch from inside his own 22, leaving him sprawled on the turf.
But referee Ben O’Keeffe took no action against Kerevi, before Wales claimed their first win against Australia for 10 years when Dan Biggar, who replaced Halfpenny, struck a 77th-minute penalty to secure a 9-6 victory.
“It’s unbelievable, how do you think that’s not a penalty?” Wales kicking coach Jenkins told WRU TV.
Leigh Halfpenny endured an off-day against the Aussies, missing two presentable kicks at goal before being floored late on.
“I’m not quite sure what the rules state at this time, but Leigh is a tough old player who is constantly getting up and playing on and doesn’t go down lightly.
“For him to go down and suffer an HIA (head injury assessment), there is certainly some form of head contact.
“The referee didn’t think so on the day, so we’ve just got to get on with it. He will go through his protocols and see where he is later in the week.”
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is expected to make wholesale changes for next Saturday’s Principality Stadium clash against Tonga, which Halfpenny would probably have been rested for anyway.
But he will be key to hopes of beating South Africa in 12 days’ time, with Wales needing two more wins after defeating Scotland and Australia for a first autumn Tests clean sweep.
Samson Lee, meanwhile, has been released from the Wales squad due to a hamstring injury.
The WRU said that prop Lee, who was not available for Wales’ opening November games against Scotland and Australia, has been released back to the Scarlets for further treatment.
Wing George North and prop Tomas Francis both went off with knocks early in the second half against Australia, and Jenkins added: “We’re hoping Tomas Francis will be okay for the weekend, and it’s the same with George North.
“The boys are a bit battered and bruised because it was a tough, tough Test match, as you would always expect against Australia.
“We managed to scrape through for the first time in 10 years to make it back-to-back victories at the start of the autumn for the first time. We are very upbeat.”
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