Halfpenny raring to go

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is looking forward to making his Millennium Stadium return in Saturday's Six Nations opener.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is looking forward to making his Millennium Stadium return in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Ireland.

The Cardiff Blues star was carried off on his last appearance at the venue on 1 December after suffering a neck injury when attempting to prevent Kurtley Beale's match-winning try for Australia.

“It was pretty worrying at the time,” said Halfpenny, who was taken to University Hospital Wales for scans.

“I had a dead arm for half-an-hour and I was not sure what sort of damage had been done, so the scans were pretty good news because they showed no nerves had been damaged.

“I was conscious the whole time, but not sure what had happened. I was aware of a numbness in my arm and it was frightening.

“I had a few weeks off and missed games I wanted to play in, but I have played a few games this month and it has been good.”

Halfpenny, who is poised to win his 40th cap this weekend, will be up against Ireland full-back Rob Kearney, a rival for the Lions Test number 15 shirt in June.

“It is Wales against Ireland and if I am picked to play it is about doing a job for your country and the jersey justice, giving it everything it deserves. That is all I am worried about,” he added.

“You want to gain the upper hand on your opponent to make sure you are contributing to the team – it is not about individuals, but the team.”