SHANE Williams predicts Leigh Halfpenny will enjoy his Test debut against South Africa so much he’ll get the upper hand over the great Bryan Habana.

The Welsh wizard is tipping the Cardiff Blues teenager for the very top, believing he is a more mature player than Williams was at his age.

Halfpenny, 19, has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season after some magical performances for the Blues.

On Saturday he will be the 60th teenager to be capped by Wales and the first since Blues team-mate Chris Czekaj played against Canada in 2005.

Williams, who won his duel with Habana in the second Test of Wales’ summer tour to South Africa when he scored a sublime try, thinks Halfpenny fully deserves his place after just seven regional matches with the Blues.

“He is here for a reason, namely that he’s one of the form wingers in Wales and he deserves his chance,” said Williams.

And the Ospreys star, who has won 58 caps and scored a Welsh record 43 tries, advises Halfpenny not to be overawed at marking one of the game’s true superstars.

He said: “I don’t think he needs to worry too much about Bryan. I’m confident he can get the upper hand. Leigh is a great player - he’s one for the future and I wish him all the best.”

Recalling his own Test debut in 2000 as a replacement in Cardiff, which ended up in a 36-3 win for France, Williams said: “It will be nerve-wracking standing up there in front of 70,000 at the Millennium Stadium and millions watching on TV – I’m getting nervous now just thinking about it!

“Players with 60 to 70 caps still get nervous but the first cap is the most difficult.

“But I am more than confident Leigh can do the business.

‘’He needs to concentrate on his own game and go out there on Saturday and enjoy himself.

“He is more mature than I was at his age. I have no qualms or worries – he will do the job on the weekend.”

With the two of them being arguably the finest wingers in the world today, Williams is looking forward to playing against Habana again: “I am sure there will be some banter between us and some mind games before and during the game.”

But Williams said he was focussed on a Welsh victory and added beating the Boks would be a special personal achievement: “Our sole purpose is winning and giving 100% as a team. We know we are more than capable of winning.

“It was great when we beat Australia in 2005 – it was a marvellous achievement.

“I have come close against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium before, but they are a great side and there’s a reason why they are World Cup champions.

“I would love to win against them before I hang up my boots.”