NEIL JENKINS has admitted Leigh Halfpenny has put himself in the frame to take over the Wales kicking duties.
Halfpenny has so far only been regarded as a long-range penalty specialist in his early career.
But the 23-year-old has assumed regional responsibility with the Blues after taking over duties from Scotland outside-half Dan Parks.
Halfpenny produced an accomplished Heineken Cup display against Racing Metro with a 21-point performance which proves he now provides a viable alternative to Rhys Priestland, James Hook and Stephen Jones.
Jenkins revealed no definitive decision has been reached, but admitted Halfpenny was being considered for frontline duties.
“Leigh always does a huge amount of kicking in training and has a fantastic work ethic,” said Jenkins.
“We have always been pushing for him to be first choice for the Blues and he has done that over the last month.
“It is an added bonus for us and it puts pressure on the other kickers.
“We know he does all the long-range stuff but he is doing the short stuff as well. He has put his hand up to be the first choice which is outstanding.
“We will make the right decision when the time is right, but we are lucky to have the kickers we have.”
But, whoever is chosen to take the responsibility, Jenkins is hoping there won’t be a repeat of the World Cup semi-final defeat against France last October in New Zealand.
Halfpenny, Hook and Jones missed vital kicks in the 9-8 loss with Jenkins admitting he does not want a repeat of the Auckland horror show which cost Wales a final place.
“I was happy with the kicking up until the semi-final because we had improved our statistics,” said Jenkins.
“In the 2007 World Cup group stages we missed 13 in the four group games compared with only seven in New Zealand.
“Even in the quarter-finals, where we missed three with two hitting the post and a missed one wide out, was not a concern, because Wellington provides some of the worst kicking conditions I had ever seen. But for some reason it did not go our way in the semi-final.
“James and Stephen have excellent records with only usually missing one a game and Leigh can bang over the long-range efforts.
“These boys don’t want to miss kicks and they practise hard.”
“But if we were still there now we probably would have not won that game.”
Wales returned from New Zealand with their reputations enhanced following their fourth-place finish and were tipped for Grand Slam glory.
Despite enjoying their most successful World Cup campaign for 24 years earlier this season, Wales arrive at the Six Nations having lost their last three Test matches.
“The World Cup is the biggest stage of all and to go out in the manner in which we did in the semi-final was heartbreaking,” added Jenkins.
“There was a lot talk about us after the
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