Leigh Halfpenny Interview: I'm privileged to be playing my 100th Test
Leigh Halfpenny will make his 100th international appearance on Saturday
©PA
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is set to receive his 100th Test cap this weekend as Wales take on Canada at the Principality Stadium.
The 32-year-old has racked up 95 caps for Wales and four for the British and Irish Lions, but this weekend will mark the latest milestone in his career.
He spoke passionately about representing his country over the past decade and remains humble, owing his successes to his family, coaches and friends.
He said: “It’s beyond my wildest dreams. As a kid, it was always a dream to play for Wales and to play my first cap was an absolute dream come true. You never take any selection for granted. Every time you put that jersey on, it’s a huge honour and I'm privileged to be playing my 100th Test on the weekend. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity and to all the people that have helped me along the way.”
An influence from the very beginning, Halfpenny’s grandfather spent hours teaching him the foundations of his game. Having watched his grandson grow from a young boy into a Welsh legend, Saturday's achievement will surely be a proud occasion for the Halfpenny family.
“He’d pick me up from school, take me down to the field and work with me for hours and hours," Halfpenny added. We had some incredible times together and he’ll be there on Saturday which will be special. He was there for my first Test, so I feel extremely lucky for him and all of my family to be there. He’s been a huge part of my career.”
Looking back to the roots of what has been a sensational international career so far, Halfpenny reflected on the day he was handed his first cap against South Africa whilst his second appearance saw him score his first international try against Saturday's opponents, Canada.
He said: “It's hard to think that it was 2008, but it honestly feels like yesterday running out to play my first game for Wales against South Africa which was an absolute dream come true and a hugely proud moment for myself and friends and family and everyone who has supported me along the way.
“The second Test, playing against Canada, I scored my first try for Wales on that day which again was a hugely proud moment. Thirteen years later, it honestly feels like yesterday. I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I've been given, it’s been really special and I can’t wait for Saturday.”
Thirteen years, 15 tries and 827 points later (778 for Wales), Halfpenny is still as down to earth and dedicated as ever as he approaches his century Test cap. Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphries explained why the Scarlets full-back has developed into an integral part of the Welsh set-up over the years.
He said: “He does it through his actions. He’s one of our most professional and diligent players that we have here. When you’re a young player coming into the squad and you’re looking at a guy who’s playing his 100th Test, that is so diligent around his rehab, what he’s looking at on the computer and what he’s doing after training.”
“He’s an incredible role model for any young kids. He’s not just an inspiration for the backs, a young kid coming into the forwards will see what he’s doing – Lions tours galore, he’s won a lot of stuff, but he’s still working harder than everybody else.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of him. He certainly impresses me with how humble he is in regards to what he has done. He’s desperate for the team to do well and he’s desperate for the boys to do well so he’s a great one to follow.”
Whilst it is his 100th cap, Halfpenny is excited for the five debutants who accompany him in the team this weekend. With no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon, he is looking forward to bedding in the new boys and hopes they can light up the Welsh pitch in the future.
He said: “Hopefully there’s plenty more in the tank. My body feels good and I'm loving my rugby. Hopefully there’s plenty more, and there’s an exciting couple of years ahead. This campaign is exciting as there are five new caps, boys who will be playing for Wales for the first time, and it’s an opportunity for them. They’ve worked extremely hard and have been playing superbly for their regions and I'm excited to be running out with them on Saturday.
“I’m just hugely excited to be running out and to be putting the Welsh jersey on again. I'm looking forward to being back in the stadium and obviously with fans being there as well. It’s been a tough year, but it’s hugely exciting to be seeing fans back in the stadium. I'm sure they will make it sound like it’s a full house.”
