Halfpenny to be Blues Fullback
Halfpenny
By Andrew Collins
November 10 2011
Leigh halfpenny has spoken with Cardiff Blues coaches Gareth Baber and Richard Burnell, telling them he wants to be the regions first choice full back.
Halfpenny, 22, was one of a number of young Welsh heroes at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and it was at full back where he made the biggest impact.
Now, he’s told the Blues that is where he wants to play.
“Before I went to New Zealand, I discussed it with the Blues coaches and told them I was hopefully looking to get a chance at full-back out there. Now I have. That’s where I always played growing up and where I always dreamed of playing for Wales, so for it to happen is an absolute dream come true.”
Halfpenny was one of a crop of potent attacking threats in the Welsh back line, with George North, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams all making the sort of impact expected of the more seasoned campaigners.
Indeed it was Halfpenny’s break against Samoa which led to Shane Williams scoring, what would prove to be, the game changing try.
However Blues fans will have to wait a few weeks before they get to see their hero in action for the region.
“I’m looking forward to returning and joining up with the squad fully next week. It will be good to be back in with the boys. I’ll build my rehab up and hopefully I should be right for the second week of Heineken Cup.”
That does mean he’ll miss the crucial away match at Racing Metro this weekend. However, he remains confident that Cardiff are in a good position to reach the knockout stages;
“I definitely believe we can get to the knockout stages. We have got such a great squad here. The belief we have is really high and we all believe we can progress in the tournament. It’s a very special competition and one we all want to play in it to test ourselves against the best in Europe. It all starts away at Racing Metro next week. That is a very tough one. But if we can get a win out there that will boost the boys’ confidence and get momentum going. It’s a massive game for us to really progress in the tournament.”
And what of new signing Gavin Henson? Does Halfpenny, the Blues’ very own golden boy, think that Gav can help turn the region into a real force this year?
“I am definitely pleased to see him here. I thought he was playing very well for Wales in that England game in August before he got injured. He showed some good touches in that game. The talent he’s got is unbelievable and it’s great to have such a big figure like that come in and he will certainly have a big impact on the squad.”
However, there’s one man Halfpenny is even keener to see at the Blues training base; Shaun Edwards...
“To see a big figure like him come into the Blues would be massively encouraging to take this club forward and achieve big things. I have learned so much from him. His passion for the game is unbelievable. He’s really developed my defensive game, whether on the wing or at full-back. Defensively Wales were outstanding at the World Cup. Our record out there and the number of points conceded speaks volumes for Shaun as a coach.”
Halfpenny was talking to WalesOnline’s Simon Thomas. To see the full story, follow the link - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/11/06/leigh-halfpenny-aims-to-keep-wales-no-15-jersey-91466-29727801/
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
However, and I think he'd be the first to admit it, he's a better winger than full back. It'll be good to have him back on the wing; he's a strong runner and rarely gets turned over, plus his footwork has dramatically improved.
We've now got Halfpenny/Czeakj/Fish at FB and any of Tom James/Czekaj/Cuthbert/Mustoe/Robinson on the wing.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!