The 19-year-old Gorseinon product scored twice for Wales in the 34-13 win over Canada, and his two tries lit up the Millennium Stadium.
No wonder then that a huge banner in the crowd read: “Even in a credit crunch – Halfpenny goes a long way.” They were right.
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.”
Halfpenny faces tough competition for the number 14 jersey from Scarlets flyer Mark Jones ahead of Tuesday’s team announcement.
He said: “Five coach loads came down from home and it was great to have that kind of support. But I try not to get carried away by playing up for the crowd. I’ve got a job to do for the team and every time I get the ball, I just try to get as far up the field as I can.”
Halfpenny did that with room to spare against Canada with tries in either half and looked the mirror image of Shane Williams as he turned three defenders inside out for his stunning first.
“Scoring the two tries was a great feeling. I’ve been scoring tries for the Blues and I just wanted to keep that going for my country.
“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.”
