The Cardiff Blues flier has flourished in the international arena since his rocket-propelled rise into the Welsh side last season, and scored four tries in his six appearances for the national side.

And, despite being 42 tries short of Williams - who has 46 in 65 appearances - the 20-year-old is keen to show his ambitious nature.

“Obviously I’d like to take over the record from my mate Shane, but it will be difficult,” Halfpenny told Walesonline. “Shane’s worked so hard to get where he is but that is my biggest goal in a Wales jersey.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play next to one of my idols in Shane.

“He’s someone I aspired to be like as a youngster.”

For Halfpenny, success for Wales led to selection for the Lions this summer.

But after a remarkable run, bad fortune finally caught up with the Welsh speedster and injury robbed him of the chance to gain a Test spot against the South Africans.

However, he has now regained full fitness and is eager to get back into the action in a pre-season match for Cardiff against Northampton tonight.

“I’m starting on the wing and really looking forward to it,” he added. “It’ll be good to get back on the pitch after the Lions disappointment.

“And we also have a big ambition to improve in the Magners League.”