Saturday’s game will be the 32-year-old’s 96th Welsh appearance but combined with his four Tests for the British & Irish Lions, it will see him reach the magical three-figure mark.
Since making his international debut against South Africa as a 19-year-old in 2008, Halfpenny has played at the highest level for 13 years.
Here, the Welsh rugby world pays tribute to his achievement…
Leigh Halfpenny celebrates winning the 2012 Grand Slam
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac:
“It’s huge for any player, especially in the modern game with the brutality of the sport and for a guy his size. He’s not the biggest bloke, but he looks after himself well.
“It speaks volumes of his professionalism, the way he recovers after each effort, and the way he prepares himself mentally and physically for the next challenge.
“He’s a good one for these young guys to get alongside in training – to see how a true professional operates, the time he puts into his body, and the homework he does.
“A guy like Tommy Rogers has had a bit to do with Leigh in club football and with Jonah Holmes as well, who’s in good form for his club, it’s an exciting back three this weekend.”
Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys:
“He does it through his actions. He’s one of our most experienced players.
“When you’re a young player coming into the squad and you’re looking at a guy playing his 100th Test but is so diligent around his rehab, what he’s looking at on the computer, and what he’s doing after training, that’s great for them.
“He’s an incredible role model for any young kid. That’s what you want, people realising this is the standard, this is the culture, this is what I need to do if I’m going to get anywhere near that guy.
“As you probably see, Leigh is a quiet guy but you see him mixing with a lot of different people here.
“He’s an incredible role model, not for what he says, but what he does.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He impresses me with how humble he is with regards to what he has achieved and that’s not a false modesty.
“He’s desperate for the team to do well and he’s desperate for these boys to do well. He’s a great one to follow.”
Leigh Halfpenny in action for Wales Under-20 in 2008
He’s an incredible role model, not for what he says but what he does. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He impresses me with how humble he is with regards to what he has achieved and that’s not a false modesty
Wales captain Jonathan Davies:
“Leigh is probably one of the most professional players I have ever come across in terms of his diligence in everything he does.
“He is one of the last on the training field and he is just a great professional. I am over the moon for him as 100 Tests is something that should be celebrated highly.
“He’s been a great mate. He has won me quite a few medals over the years so I owe him a beer or two!
“He is great fun on and off the field. With the way he prepares and gets ready for games, I think it’s great for the young boys in the squad to see how much it takes if you want to be at the top of the game for a long time. He shows the amount of work you have to put in.”
Canada assistant coach and former Wales and British & Irish Lions attack coach Rob Howley:
“You talk about dedication and commitment and how Leigh prepares for an international game is second to none.
“When you’re at the stadium and you see how hard Leigh works in an international game, he deserves all the accolades he gets.
“I know it’s 100 Test caps including the Lions so it’s not 100 Welsh caps yet, but I’m delighted for him and his family.
“He prepares for any international as if it’s going to be his last and I think that speaks volumes of Leigh’s ability to play the game in both attack and defence.”
Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies after winning the 2013 Six Nations
You talk about dedication and commitment and how Leigh prepares for an international game is second to none. When you’re at the stadium and you see how hard Leigh works in an international game, he deserves all the accolades he gets
Uncapped Wales back Ben Thomas:
“Leigh has been really good for me. I have been training at 10 and he has been really useful with things like the back-field roles and kicking work.”
Leigh Halfpenny fact file:
Age: 32
Teams: Cardiff Blues, Toulon, Scarlets, Wales, Barbarians and British & Irish Lions
Position: Full-back
Wales caps: 95
British & Irish Lions caps: 4
Total caps: 99
Total career points: 827
Total Welsh points: 778
Rugby World Cup appearances: 9 (2011 and 2019)
Test debut: 8/11/2008 vs South Africa
Honours: 1 Six Nations Grand Slam (2012), 2 Six Nations titles (2013 and 2021), 1 Six Nations player of the championship (2013), 1 British & Irish Lions series win (2013), 1 British & Irish Lions player of the series (2013), 1 EDF Energy Cup (2009), 1 European Challenge Cup (2010), 1 Heineken Champions Cup (2015), BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year (2013), Sports Personality of the Year runner-up (2013)
Leigh Halfpenny after Wales won the 2021 Guinness Six Nations and Triple Crown
