Grenoble welcomed the current European Champions, Toulon, to the Stade des Alpes for a Top 14 clash this past weekend. This big tackle that Australian flanker Peter Kimlin put on Leigh Halfpenny was far from welcoming however.
Since arriving at the French giants the Welsh fullback has suffered continually with injury troubles, but was starting to look like he was on a solid road to recovery.
A concussion against Italy in the final game of the Six Nations however meant it was back to the sidelines for the metronomic kicker. Having spent his time recovering, an air of excitement encapsulated the return of the Welsh wizard.
Grenoble back rower Kimlin, was not in a sympathetic mood however.
The visitors’ openside, Mamuka Gorgodze, lumbered inside his man before lofting an unconventional and somewhat dooming pass to the waiting Halfpenny, which meant he had to stop his run to catch the ball.
After Halfpenny gathered in possession whilst flatfooted, an approaching Kimlin saw his opportunity to put a mammoth shoulder into the stationary target – and he did not miss.
The powerful hit actually caused a minor dislocation in Halfpenny’s shoulder, and although bravely continuing to play for 10 minutes, the pain eventually forced him from the field.
The visitors proved too strong for Grenoble on the night, with the final score 23-35 to Toulon.
Initial reports say that Halfpenny is unlikely to play next week in their European Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster, and although Toulon are more than capable of filling the fullback role, the creative play and reliable kicking of the Welsh talisman are sure to be missed.
EXTRA: This came shortly after tank Mathieau Bastereaud had easily dismissed the attempted tackle of Grenoble number 8, Rory Grice. That contest can be seen on page 2.
For more enormous tackles head to our Big Hits section and view the Related Posts below
credit: Monsieur Wiko
credit: Monsieur Wiko
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