Gatland was on hand to watch Halfpenny and Powell's displays

Cardiff coach Dai Young has likened young Blues back Leigh Halfpenny to his new Wales colleague Shane Williams.

He made the comparison following the 19-year-old's electrifying running display in his side's 23-9 EDF Energy Cup win over Leicester.

"Leigh has Shane's type of flair," said Young. "Once he gets the ball you know something's going to happen."

Halfpenny has just been called up to the Wales squad for next month's autumn test series.

The youngster had a superb game against the Tigers making several superb breaks out of defence and playing a major part in the Blues last-minute try.

But despite Halfpenny's excellent display at the Arms Park, which wouldn't have gone unnoticed by the watching Wales coach Warren Gatland, Young said the teenager still has a lot to learn.

He has huge potential, but he's still learning Blues coach Dai Young

"He has huge potential, but he's still learning," said Young. "He's pretty much the complete package, but we don't want to pile too much on him too soon."

However, Halfpenny was not the only highlight on a good day in Cardiff with the former Wales forward pleased with his side's overall display against their famous English opposition.

He was most pleased that the region was at last able to find some consistency and string two cup wins together against such exalted opposition - following last week's 37-24 win over Gloucester.

"We've been capable of one-off performances in the past," he said. "The pleasing factor was to do it back to back.

"Getting two wins over English giants - I think we made a big statement out there.

"We have the firepower to cause any team problems, but we haven't been disciplined enough to play the right game in the right place at the right time.

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Highlights: Cardiff Blues 23-9 Leicester

"We played a very strong Leicester team and I thought we dominated for most of the game.

"We played in the right areas. I thought the boys showed good character, high skill levels and a clear understanding of how we wanted to play the game."

But Young refused to get carried away and said now all the region's attentions would be concentrated on getting a result against Bath next week and making it into the EDF semi-finals.

"We're building week on week and we've got to make sure we don't slip up next week," he said.

"Bath at home, they're a big challenge in themselves, and are never going to be easy."

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