We have to believe – Halfpenny

Editor

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny sees the 61-year gap between his country’s win over New Zealand to the present day as an opportunity.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny sees the 61-year gap between his country’s win over New Zealand to the present day as an opportunity.

Halfpenny was surprisingly included ahead of in-form Scarlets back Liam Williams for Saturday, but the Toulon superstar is a world class operator.

Recent injury issues though have limited Halfpenny’s game time.

Now fighting fit, Halfpenny has sensed a real buzz in the Wales camp with the chance to make history on the horizon.

Calling on his team-mates to believe they can beat the All Blacks, Halfpenny knows defeating New Zealand would be the highlight of his career.

“It’s a huge challenge, but one that we are very excited about,” Halfpenny said.

“We will have to be at the top of our game to be in with a shout of winning.

“We need to play for the 80 minutes and cannot afford to have a lapse of concentration against a side as good as the All Blacks.

“We have to believe that we can win, right from the first minute. There is respect for them, but we have to treat them exactly the same as other opponents.

“There is a buzz and excitement and the fact that we haven’t beaten the All Blacks for so long means there is an opportunity for us.

“There have been some great victories during my career in a Welsh shirt, but to beat the All Blacks would be at the top of them.”