Halfpenny to miss Eng opener

London - Wales winger Leigh Halfpenny will miss the Six Nations opener at home to England on Friday with a sprained ankle, the team physio said on Tuesday.

Halfpenny injured his ankle during training, and it was initially feared he could miss the whole tournament before a scan revealed the injury was less serious.

"Leigh has an acute sprain to his ankle, but the scan has revealed no further disruption to the ligaments, which is much more positive news than was first feared," physiotherapist Mark Davies said in a WRU statement.

"He will wear a boot and stay off his feet for the next few days, but will remain in camp where we will monitor his rehab."

Davies said Halfpenny would most likely miss the following Saturday's trip to Scotland, but Wales have decided against calling a replacement into their 28-man squad.