Wales wing: Halfpenny vs Jones
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:37
Grand Slam hero Mark Jones and Leigh Halfpenny look set to go head-to-head this weekends as they both start for Wales against Canada looking to try and secure their spot to face the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium the following weekend.
With Shane Williams a certain starter against New Zealand, there is just one spot for the talented pair to contest for.
While one would assume Jones would have the inside-lane - now that he is fully recovered from his recent injury troubles - but young Halfpenny has done everything his coach Warren Gatland has asked of him up to this point.
Rather than worrying, or ignoring the challenge, the 19 year-old wing says he sees all the competition as an important part of helping make him a better player and, while it will be a tough challenge, it is one he has no intention of letting go past him lightly.
"It's good to have healthy competition for places," said Halfpenny.
"The challenge is certainly on," said Halfpenny.
"Thankfully Mark Jones is back from injury, it's good to see him fit and well.
"I've just got to keep on performing well and make it a hard choice for the coach."
While the opposition might be slightly different to what he was up against last weekend Halfpenny has warned this weekend opponents that his determination to succeed remains at the same levels as they were against the Boks.
"Your first Wales cap is always special," he said.
"But I'll be just as hyped up against Canada as I was against South Africa because I want to continue representing Wales for a long time to come."
Who do you think should get the nod? Halfpeeny or Jones?
