Along the way, Halfpenny has earned plenty of plaudits and added to his already bulging mantelpiece with a string of individual awards. The 25-year-old was named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year for 2013, finished as runner-up to Andy Murray at the main awards and was voted Rugby Writers’ Club Player of the Year. He took also took home the man of the series with the Lions in Australia and was shortlisted for the IRB World Player of the Year award.
The individual awards capped a memorable year for Halfpenny but with 2014 now well underway, the modest full back says he is still looking to improve as a player. For someone who scored 114 points with the Lions in Australia and kicked Wales to title success, it seems a remarkable statement.
But as he prepares for today’s campaign opener with Italy at the Millennium Stadium, Halfpenny reckons there is still more to come.
“2013 was a year I’ll never forget with winning another Six Nations with Wales and then the Lions tour and winning the serious out there,” said Halfpenny.
“I was very fortunate to be involved in two special teams and I just feel privileged to have been a part of them. To have won the Six Nations for the second time in two years was a special feeling and then to go to Australia with the Lions was incredible. To win the Test series was what you dream of as a kid, I was lucky to be a part of it and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
“But I’m just trying to keep working hard, see where I can improve as a player and do my best for the team. It all starts today against a good Italy team. It’s going to be a big challenge and one the squad are looking forward to.”
With 48 Welsh caps to his name, Halfpenny looks set to pass the half century mark at some point in this year’s Six Nations. The Cardiff Blues is a vital cog in the Wales machine, forming a familiar-looking back three with George North and Alex Cuthbert this afternoon.
“It’s about trying to maintain my standards and performing as best I can week in, week out,” Halfpenny adds.
“I’m looking for those little extras here and there, whether it’s handling or high ball catching. I’m hoping to make a few line breaks and create some opportunities for my teammates so we can score tries. It’s a huge honour for me every time I wear the Welsh jersey, playing for Wales is something I love doing.
“The autumn series was better than last year and if you look at the age of the squad, it’s still very young but also very experienced. We have a chance to create history and do something very special. We know what we have to do to be successful and it’s about having the belief and determination to do that. We set high standards, work very hard, and that’s what we want to achieve.”
As Wales chase what would be an unprecedented third consecutive Championship, Halfpenny forms part of an experienced side named by head coach Warren Gatland. Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones leads the side with squad captain Sam Warburton starting from the bench.
Luke Charteris, Rhys Priestland and Justin Tipuric all begin from the off with regulars Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau and Mike Phillips all involved. Jamie Roberts makes a welcome return from injury and partners the inform Scott Williams at centre.
Italy meanwhile have plenty of experience themselves, especially in the pack. Inspirational skipper Sergio Parisse and prop Martin Castrogiovanni both have more than 100 caps at international level with lock Marco Bortolami set to reach his century this afternoon. Head coach Jacques Brunel doesn’t quite have the same luxury behind the scrum but Parisse has backed Italy’s young backs to fire.
“The beginning of the Six Nations is an exciting time for any team,” said the Stade Francais man.
“We are going to try our best tomorrow but we start against a good team in Wales and it’s going to be a tough match for us. The match will be crucial for our young players. They have the opportunity to play because they have the ability.”
