And Halfpenny, who does not turn 21 until three days before Christmas, hopes he can continue to live the dream way beyond Saturday's Millennium Stadium clash against Australia.

The Cardiff Blues prospect is just nine caps into a Test career that has yielded a prolific 40 points, including five tries.

But 32-year-old Williams continues to set the standard, having clocked up a half-century for Wales and the Lions with his double during last weekend's 33-16 victory over Argentina.

And there might be more to come on Saturday, given that Williams has scored twice as many tries for Wales against Australia than against any other Tri-Nations team.

"Shane is my role model," said Halfpenny, who has forged a dangerous back-three attacking unit alongside Williams and James Hook this autumn.

"I have always looked up to him growing up. We were talking about the past the other day, the 2005 Grand Slam season and where I was at the time.

"I was at my local rugby club, Gorseinon, watching it. But then it's just great to be chatting to Shane because he is a fantastic ambassador for the whole country.

"I hope he carries on with the way he has been playing, but hopefully I can get close to the way he plays.

"Watching him on television as a youngster, when he played for Neath, was inspirational. I just hoped I would be up with him one day.

"To me, the great thing about Shane is the type of man he is and the way he has played the game.

"If I can achieve half of what he has in his career, I will be really pleased. He's been outstanding and it would be great to get close to emulating him."