Leigh Halfpenny says Wales must stay true to themselves in Saturday's World Cup semi-final against France.
Full-back insists Wales must continue expansive game
Leigh Halfpenny says Wales must stay true to themselves in Saturday's World Cup semi-final against France.
Warren Gatland's side has already guaranteed the nation's best campaign since the inaugural tournament 24 years ago following the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
The young squad's adventurous approach has paid off and one of the most entertaining teams of the event must maintain their approach, according to the full-back.
"We can't afford to go into our shells," he said. "We have to go out and express ourselves. If we don't do that, we will lose before we even take the field, so that is not an option.
"We are a team that plays rugby and we try to make the right decisions on the ball."
Halfpenny was one of the star performers against Ireland, shining in attack and defence, and it would be a major surprise if he is not retained in his favourite position when Wales tackle France.
Incredible
"I said before the game that to start at full-back for my country in a World Cup quarter-final was a dream come true," he added.
"The game itself was incredible. I just concentrated on my performance and tried to make sure I did all my roles as best I could.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it at full-back, I just love being there. It was an absolute pleasure to be stood behind the team that was in front of me.
"Putting on the Wales jersey is everything to me, wherever that is. I am a back-three player."
Momentum is certainly with the Wales squad and their poor recent record against France, with only one win in seven matches, largely irrelevant.
"We've said all along that we are not here just to make up the numbers," Halfpenny said. "We want to seriously win.
"All the hard work we have put in is paying off, and we are not satisfied with reaching the semi-finals.
"We will enjoy it because as a group we haven't been here before, and who knows if we will be here again, but there is still plenty to come.
"There is a feeling we can go the whole way, and we are determined to do that. We are a rugby nation and we've had tremendous support from all the fans who have come out here.
"They've been here throughout the tournament for us, and we can't thank them enough. I am sure it means a lot back home."
