Wales’ latest wing sensation has expressed a no fear attitude ahead of a possible place in the starting line up against the All Blacks.
Leigh Halfpenny has seamlessly made the transition from under 19 to senior level in this season’s Invesco Perpetual Series, and now is eyeing a place in Wales’ starting line up for Saturday’s match in Cardiff.
The 19-year-old Gorseinon product scored twice for his country in the 34-13 win over Canada, and his two tries lit up the Millennium Stadium
It has been a sensational start to Test rugby for the teenager after silencing world player of the year Bryan Habana, booting his first points against the world champions and then scoring twice in one game against Canada.
Now he is set for the biggest challenge of all – All Black wings Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu. But Halfpenny is confident.
He said: “Being picked to play against the All Black would be an amazing honour – but I’m not fazed about playing those guys.
“I had all that before the South Africa game, it was Habana this and Habana that and people asking how I felt about playing against him.
“But I didn’t loose any sleep about it – in fact I slept very well the night before the game and it will the same again if I’m lucky enough to be selected for the All Blacks.
“I’ve been watching those guys for years and it would be incredible to play against them.”
“I have to pinch myself at the moment with everything that is happening. It’s everything I imagined it would be – and more.
“I never imagined this would all happen so soon. At the start of the season I was seventh choice for the Blues. Now I’m hoping to face the All Blacks.”
