Halfpenny finally set to cash in
Crusaders recruit keen to contribute to team’s revival today against Reds
My focus has just been on getting the rehab right, getting fit and getting back on the field.
Leigh Halfpenny
It’s a case of better late than never for Crusaders recruit Leigh Halfpenny.
Moving south to Super Rugby Pacific from Scarlets in the off-season, the 35-year-old traded Llanelli for Christchurch to get a taste of playing in the Southern Hemisphere.
Since his professional debut in 2006, Halfpenny has accrued more than 200 appearances at club level and 101 tests for Wales to go with four caps for the British and Irish Lions.
However, the Wales great has been forced to be patient for his chance to trade the red of Wales for the red of the Crusaders after he was sidelined by a chest injury in February. He has recovered sufficiently to be named at fullback to face the Reds this afternoon in Christchurch.
But even with a career as accomplished as his, Halfpenny admits feeling pressure to live up to the standards of the seven-time reigning champions as they bid to continue their resurgence.
“There are definitely nerves,” he said. “Like every match, it’s just a case of keeping a lid on them. I like to think they’re excitement. I’m really excited to get it done on the field, and play for the Crusaders.”
Following last weekend’s 39-0 shutout of the Melbourne Rebels, Halfpenney’s return is timely for a Crusaders side hit hard by injuries.
After being expected to provide competition for All Black Will Jordan at fullback, neither has played due to injury.
The pair’s absences have come as part of a raft of absentees for the Crusaders, who have also been without Braydon Ennor (knee) and Fergus Burke (Achilles tendon) for the season, while Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder and Tamaiti Williams have also been limited.
Now, though, coach Rob Penney hopes the Welshman will help the Crusaders’ push to sneak into the top eight and the Super Rugby playoffs.
“Part of the recruitment process with Leigh was getting a world-class performer in the backfield with our younger players,” said Penney.
“Once we lost Will, that was the hope — that we could have his presence. The boys that have done a job in the back three up until now have been tremendous. But Leigh now gets an opportunity to have a go at Super Rugby. He’s excited about that.
“[He’s a] 100-test Welshman. What a way for him and his family to celebrate at home, 4.30 on Saturday afternoon with sun on his back — [he’s] not used to that in Wales — and being able to contribute to the upward rise of this group.”
At 35, Halfpenny was never expected to be a long-term option for the Crusaders, hence signing a oneyear deal to play in Christchurch.
But with only five games left in the regular season, and no guarantee of reaching the playoffs unless there is a significant upswing in results, Halfpenny isn’t thinking too much of the future.
“We’ll have to see what happens,” he said. “My focus has just been on getting the rehab right, getting fit and getting back on the field. I’m just focusing on [today’s] game. I’m hugely excited about that.”