Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny admits he feared for his starting spot but is now desperate to end 61 years of hurt for his country against the All Blacks.
The 25-year-old, who has only recently recovered from shoulder surgery after an injury against England in this year’s RBS 6 Nations, wore the No.15 shirt in the first game of the autumn against Australia.
But the British & Irish Lion was then rested and Liam Williams put in a man-of-the-match display in Wales’ narrow victory over Fiji.
And despite mounting pressure to include Williams against the All Blacks, Warren Gatland has reverted to type with the selection of Halfpenny.
“Every time that team is read out you have nerves in the belly,” said the Toulon full-back.
“You never take your place for granted and Liam Williams had a fantastic game against Fiji.
“We’re really good friends, so it’s great to see him play as well as he did.
“It’s great that there is that competition for places and it can only be a good thing for Welsh rugby.”
Wales are looking for a first win against the All Blacks since 1953 and Halfpenny says New Zealand are a “quality outfit” whoever they pick.
“We’re going to have to be on top of our game to be in with a shout of winning,” said the Toulon back.
“You can’t afford to have a lapse of concentration for one second against the All Blacks. That’s a huge thing for us, playing for the full 80 minutes.
“There’s been some great victories during my career in a Welsh shirt, but a win against the All Blacks would certainly be at the top of them.”
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