Halfpenny could make the difference against French

Welsh skills coach Neil Jenkins has praised the role of new full-time goal kicker Leigh Halfpenny ahead of Saturday's clash with France at the Millennium Stadium. 

A win over Philippe Saint-André's  side would give Wales their third Grand Slam in eight years and be a fitting finale to what has been another brilliant campaign.

One of the stars of Warren Gatland's side has been full-back Halfpenny who has become the side's number one kicker. 

Fly-half Rhys Priestland has struggled with his kicking and Halfpenny has stepped into his place admirably as well as providing an attacking option from the back three. 

The Cardiff Blue enjoyed a particularly fine game against Scotland earlier in the tournament, scoring two tries as well as kicking three conversions and two penalties. He also slotted a nerveless last minute penalty in the Aviva Stadium to secure a win over Ireland and kick-off Wales's Six Nations campaign with a win. 

And Jenkins has praised Halfpenny's maturity under pressure. 

"I think he's always wanted to be a full time goal kicker and this last year he has been able to do that," he said. 

"Being front line goal kicker, the bread and butter kicks become more important. Its taken him longer than he would have hoped but it's coming back for the kid now.

"If he misses two in a row or 20 he's not happy," he added. 

Saturday's clash with the French promises to be a huge occasion and one which Jenkins expects to be another tough game. Saint-André has made six changes from Sunday's narrow 24-22 defeat to England in the Stade de France but Jenkins is not underestimating the challenge they will pose. Wing Vincent Clerc is out with a shoulder injury with Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Dimitri Yachvili, Alexis Palisson and Florian Fritz all named in the starting 15. 

"They've got huge strength in depth so whatever side they put out on Saturday will be a very good side," said the former fly-half.  

"I think last week was a very tough game, we expect a very tough encounter on Saturday afternoon, it's going to be a special day and one we're all looking forward to." 

For the Welsh public another nervous week awaits although captain and flanker Sam Warburton looks set to make Saturday's game after missing last week's 24-3 win over Italy with a knee injury. 

"He's trained this morning so this afternoon will show where we're at," said Jenkins. 

Warburton's return means Justin Tipuric, his replacement in the win over Italy will drop to the bench with the back line expected to remain the same. 

The clash with France brings back memories of the World Cup semi-final clash between the two sides last year although the match has been and gone as far as the Welsh side are concerned.

"From our point of view we need to forget about that, it's history as far as we're concerned," said Jenkins. 

And although his narrow missed penalty cost Wales a place in the World Cup Final, it would be no surprise to see Halfpenny secure victory on Saturday and with it the Grand Slam.