Halfpenny at XV

Hopefully this can now be put to bed that he can't play there.

Ever since Byrne lost form etc I have said lets pick Halfpenny there, some have agreed but most have dis-agreed stating that he doesn't play there so shouldn't be considered.

I thought he offered us far more there than Hook as ever done at XV and was safe under high ball, always looked to counter and got as big a bot as Byrne.

I've wanted 1/2p at fullback for ages. I thought he was very, very good yesterday. Will be happy to see him stay there.

We need more than one performance before we can judge any player.

I thought 1/2p played very well at 15 and would be very happy to see him start there again. He's my first choice for 15.

he was v good against Samoa as well Cymro, he made a big difference when he came on for Hook.

Half penny played a lot of age grade rugby at fullback. I think the position is his for the time being.

I have no problem with him playing 15 I'm very confident we will play to the best of his ability.

Yes, I must say I was expecting his small stature to be exposed, but he looked very comfortable. He goes low when he tackles, which enables him to bring down some big beasts. Good technique.

Agree there Samurai, I noticed his technique is damn good, very aware of the play around him, and that left peg wow!! .............. opponents will be under contant pressure to avoid giving away any penalties within his range which is about 2 miles isn't it

Left peg??? Are we still talking about Halfpenny?

Playing him at 15 was a risk, but he was magnificent yesterday and could make the jersey his now.

I dont think he is a long term option for Wales at 15 (unless the Blues start playing him there, with Cuthbert, James, Mustoe and Robinson as the wing options). With Shane retiring I expect we will see this back 3 next 6N

11. George North
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Morgan Stoddart

606,

Stoddart was terribly unlucky in the warm up game to get injured otherwise I am pretty sure he would have made big impact on the WC.

That said he has never filled me with confidence as a XV and think he will be one of the players competing for the berth left if and when Shane retires as opposed to fullback.

Halfpenny has said he has always dreamed of playing 15 for Wales.

So lets keep him there. He has pace, a howitzer boot, is safe under the high ball, tackles well and doesn't make mistakes. Bye Bye Byrne.

I thought he was outstanding yesterday. ROG didn't have a great day with the boot but he was equal to everything that was thrown at him. I thought he might be a weak link but he looked very comfortable there.

If I was Wales I wouldn't be looking to change anything and they have a very balanced side right now.

Great performance by 1/2p yesterday. Ironicaly 1/2p converted to wing after he was kept out of the 15 shirt for Wales under 20s by Dan Evans of Llanelli, where is he now?

Seagultaf wrote:Great performance by 1/2p yesterday. Ironicaly 1/2p converted to wing after he was kept out of the 15 shirt for Wales under 20s by Dan Evans of Llanelli, where is he now?

Umm also Ben Blair at the Blues

It will be interesting to see if Halfpenny is moved to 15 for the Blues now - they need a good FB.

He who dares wins, Gatland took a gamble and it paid off to be honest.

I'm still not sure that in a game where we are being beaten up front that Wales's square pegs in round holes policy will pay off. I want to see Halfpenny under an up an under with a load of islanders or English forwards trying to get hold of him, if he can keep his cool and take the hit and get up then I will know he is ok at Full Back.

Re: Quarter Final Number 1 - Ireland vs Wales - WALES ARE IN The Semis
by RubyGuby

RubyGuby wrote: Last Friday
Halfpennys positioning is far better than Byrnes and he's better under the highball .... 1/2 P is also a better defender

Alyn - he did that against Samoa already. And took some super takes under the high ball yesterday with Kearney storming down on him. I was really, really pleased with him

rugbydreamer wrote:Alyn - he did that against Samoa already. And took some super takes under the high ball yesterday with Kearney storming down on him. I was really, really pleased with him

I must of missed them then...
Ok fair enough I'm convinced, he can come and play for the Ospreys then.

how can you forget him fielding the ball, being swalled up by 3 Samoans then emerging with the ball to race down the pitch while adjusting his scrum cap? it was an awesome moment!

AlynDavies wrote:

rugbydreamer wrote:Alyn - he did that against Samoa already. And took some super takes under the high ball yesterday with Kearney storming down on him. I was really, really pleased with him

I must of missed them then...
Ok fair enough I'm convinced, he can come and play for the Ospreys then.

He was playing for the Ospreys...you just thought he was too short.