Scarlets man Williams comes into the back three against Les Bleus, joining Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert with George North moving to centre.
It’s a first RBS 6 Nations start for Williams, begins on the left wing as Wales look to get back to winning ways at the Millennium Stadium.
“It’s great to see Liam get his first Six Nations start,” said full back Halfpenny.
“He’s a fantastic player and someone I am close mates with. I’m delighted to be taking the field with him.
“We know each other from living so close together and I started to hear more about him when he was playing for Llanelli. He came in and trained against us with the Wales Under 20 side a few years ago.
“He works hard and has no regard for his own safety – I’m chuffed to see him get a start.”
Halfpenny was Wales’ only scorer in the 26-3 defeat to Ireland in Dublin two weeks ago. And the British & Irish Lion is determined to go out there and make amends for that defeat.
“I’m delighted to be selected for the game against France, I can’t wait to get out there,” he added.
“Every time you put that Welsh jersey on, you have to play as if it’s your last and you might not put it on again. Ireland was tough for us to take. But it’s a test for us to see how we bounce back – we have to do that on Friday night.
“With the squad we have, it’s a special group of players and it’s important we put it right. We have picked the areas to improve on and we need to put in a big performance.”
With Halfpenny and Wales hoping to put things right on Friday, much could depend on the centre duel. North and Jamie Roberts take on Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud in a big hitting battle.
“The centre battle will be exciting with George coming in,” said Halfpenny.
“His ball carrying, physicality and speed is superb and it’s exciting to see him in there. France can create something from nothing. For us as a team, we have to concentrate for the full 80 minutes as they have players who can produce a moment of magic.”
On the challenge of bringing down a man like Bastareaud, Halfpenny said: “It’s a case of going for it and hoping for the best I guess! It’s a challenge I enjoy.
“I have to stop him and get him down. You put your head in where it hurts but that’s what you have to do for the team.”
For all the build up to Wales’ game with France, visit our live blog.
