Halfpenny set for comeback from concussion

Cardiff - Leigh Halfpenny is set to make his long-awaited return from a head injury when the Wales fullback turns out for the Scarlets against the Cheetahs in the PRO14 on Sunday.

The 30-year-old has not played a competitive match since being concussed following a late tackle from Samu Kerevi during Wales' win over Australia in Cardiff on November 10.

His lengthy absence raised fears over whether the pin-point goalkicker would return, with Wales great Barry John saying last month that he feared for Halfpenny's future in the game.

But Halfpenny, who in addition to his 80 Wales caps has made four Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions, was named in the Scarlets' starting XV announced on Friday for their match with South African side Cheetahs. 

Despite being without Halfpenny, Wales have still won their opening two Six Nations this season ahead of a potential title-decider against a similarly unbeaten England in Cardiff on Saturday where Liam Williams will start in the number 15 for the hosts.

Play starts on Sunday at 15:00 SA time.

Teams:

Scarlets

15 Leigh Halfpenny; 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Paul Asquith, 11 Ioan Nicholas; 10 Dan Jones, 9 Kieran Hardy; 8 Wyn Jones, 7 Ryan Elias, 6 Werner Kruger, 5 Jake Ball, 4 Josh Help, 3 Josh Macleod, 2 Dan Davis, 1 Uzair Cassiem

Subtitutes: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Phil Price, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Lewis Rawlins, 20 Tom Phillips, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Steff Hughes

Cheetahs

15 Louis Fouche, 14 William Small-Smith, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Dries Swanepoel, 11 Rabs Maxwane, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Shaun Venter (captain), 8 Gerhard Olivier, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Abongile Nonkontwana, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Reinach Venter, 18 Luan de Bruin, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Henco Venter, 22 Rudy Paige, 23 Tian Meyer