Leigh Halfpenny relishing Six Nations opener against England
Thursday 5 February 2015 07:47, UK
Leigh Halfpenny says Wales will carry their hurt from Twickenham last year into Friday's Six Nations opener at the Millennium Stadium.
Halfpenny was one of few to come out of their 2014 reverse with any credit, his boot keeping Wales in the game before they eventually went down 29-18, a year on from a 30-3 demolition that ended England's Grand Slam hopes.
But his day ended with some extra pain as he suffered a dislocated shoulder late in the game that cost him the chance of a trip to South Africa over the summer.
Pressure
"We were disappointed last year to have gone there and not perform to the standards we set ourselves," Halfpenny said.
"And that is something that has been with us since. We will use that hurt to full effect.
"We have done our analysis and things and it was not easy to watch. The performance wasn't the standard it should be, so Friday night is an opportunity to put that right.
"I think the pressure we have is what we put on ourselves to perform. That's what we put on ourselves and what we need on Friday night."
Buzz
Thirteen members of that side return for the Cardiff match, which comes eight months before the teams meet again in the World Cup, and Halfpenny is expecting the usual electric atmosphere the Welsh national stadium provides.
"There is always that buzz about Wales versus England and the history that goes with it," Halfpenny added.
"We got that monkey off the back in November, beating a southern hemisphere team, so that breeds confidence and we have come into camp, trained hard and prepared well for Friday's game.
"They have quality across the park and we know that to get a result we need to be at our best. They are a quality side and we have to be right up there.
"For me, running out into that packed Millennium Stadium is the best feeling ever.
"Running out for your country in front of your home fans is an immense feeling. The hairs at the back of your neck stand up and there is that huge buzz you get.
"It's a hell of a feeling and I am lucky enough to have an opportunity to do that on Friday night. We have a huge challenge ahead of us."
