Halfpenny lays ghost of semi miss to rest

Leigh Halfpenny admits his last minute penalty winner in Wales’ opening Six Nations triumph over Ireland laid to rest ghosts of his World Cup heartache. Halfpenny missed a late penalty in Wales’ 9-8 semi-final defeat to France to secure them a first World Cup final appearance but he was a hero in Dublin.

He took over kicking duties from off-target Rhys Priestland and Halfpenny guided Wales to a stunning victory in the Aviva Stadium yesterday.

“After the heartache of the miss against France I felt a lot of hurt and it was great to put that right and put it behind me,’’ said Halfpenny.