France v Wales
Halfpenny: 'Toulon reminds me of Wales'
ESPN Staff
February 26, 2015
Leigh Halfpenny has established himself as one of the world's finest fullbacks © PA
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Leigh Halfpenny sees plenty of common ground between his new home Toulon and Wales.

In one obvious sea-change, Halfpenny's training recovery routine these days often revolves around a dip in the Mediterranean on his way home. Such is the way of things in Toulon, the place where Halfpenny has contentedly embarked on a new sporting chapter this season with rugby union's reigning European champions.

And that is reflected in the former Cardiff Blues full-back's current form, which he showcased with a blistering display against Scotland 10 days ago and left Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards - among numerous other admirers - singing his praises.

"When you are regarded as the best full-back in the world, and I think Leigh still is, other people emulate you," Edwards said. "You do not copy off other people because he is already the best.

"That is not to say playing alongside such great players at Toulon, and under a great coach, has not added something to his game. But when you are the best at what you do, it is important not to change too much."

Halfpenny has amassed nearly 450 points for Wales heading into Saturday's Six Nations clash in Paris against a France match-day 23 that includes five of his Toulon team-mates. And the 26-year-old will relish what awaits at Stade de France as Wales look to keep alive their Six Nations title hopes.

"Toulon reminds me of Wales in terms of their passion for rugby," he said. "The sport in Wales is huge like it is in Toulon. Both sets of fans are hugely passionate.

"Before the game in Toulon when you get off the bus you walk through a tunnel of fans into the changing room. It's incredible, and I have not seen anything like that at club level. It reminds me of travelling in on the bus for Wales outside the Millennium Stadium with the fans cheering you in. It gives you a huge buzz going into the changing room.

"We know that when we go to Paris it will be a huge atmosphere and very loud. It's great to play in front of and a huge challenge. We are going to have to be at our best to come away with what we are going there for, and that's a win."

Halfpenny is among four of the Wales starting line-up this weekend based with French clubs, but he stresses it will be very much a case of business as usual, performing opposite a number of players he knows well.

"I am just focused on doing my job for Wales and what is expected of me," he said. "I know a few of the guys, and I will catch up with them after the game. My focus is on doing the job for Wales.

"We know it's going to be a huge challenge. We had a good win against Scotland away, and we have to take that confidence and belief into Paris this weekend. They [France] have got some physical guys to come at us and get over the gain-line. We need to stop that, be solid in defence and make sure that they are not getting yards on us."

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