After a 24-15 defeat to South Africa in the Dove Men Series opener, Wales got back to winning ways with a 40-6 demolition of the Pumas – their first autumn win since 2009.
Halfpenny kicked 20 points in what was a record win over Argentina, the Cardiff Blues man successful with four penalties as well as converting all four Welsh tries. It completed another superb individual performance from a man who was named player of the series for the British & Irish Lions this summer after notching up 114 points in Australia.
Halfpenny’s performances helped the Lions to a famous 2-1 series win and although the Wallabies lie in wait at the end of the month, he says the team are fully focused on this week’s meeting with the South Sea Islanders.
“It was an amazing summer but at the moment I’m enjoying playing in front of a fantastic crowd and being a part of a fantastic team,” said the Wales full back.
“For us it’s about taking each game at a time. The focus is on Tonga now, we know what they’re going to bring with their physicality but we’re looking to repeat a similar performance this week.”
Halfpenny and the rest of the Welsh back line enjoyed some free flowing rugby against Argentina, two tries in either half securing a comfortable victory.
He added: “We set the standard last week with the performance against South Africa and we didn’t want to drop off from that.
“If you look at the game, there are probably a few opportunities we should have taken.
“We all enjoy playing open, running rugby and we had a chance to do that and get some offloads going. At times we played with a bit of flair and it was exciting to be involved in.
“Overall we were really pleased with the performance and the result. We lost to Argentina last year and put 40 points on them this time so it’s pleasing.”
Halfpenny is well known for his relentless attention to detail, spending long periods with kicking coach Neil Jenkins in the build-up to games. And even on the back of Saturday’s win, he had cause for regret.
“I was disappointed to miss a kick, it’s always nice to get 100 per cent but overall I’m very pleased,” said Halfpenny.
“I’m happy as long as I’m out there wearing the red jersey and playing in front of a capacity crowd.
“We’ve got a fantastic team and a fantastic squad and I’m just happy to wear the jersey.
“I’m just trying to keep working as hard as I can and try to be as best prepared as I can be for the game.”
