Shane Williams, the IRB’s world player of the year in 2008, has admitted he needs to pull out all the stops in the British and Irish Lions’ game against the Emerging Springboks on Tuesday to secure a spot for the second Test against South Africa on the
weekend.
The Ospreys winger added that he had at times felt burdened by the title of the world’s best player in a season during which he has patently failed to fire on all cylinders.
Williams’ indifferent form saw him lose out to England’s Ugo Monye for selection for the Lions’ first Test match against the Boks, which the hosts held on to win 26-21.
But he said on Monday that he would seize his starting berth against the Emerging Springboks with both hands.
”I need a big game tomorrow. It’s essentially the last chance of getting to play in the last two Tests,” said the 32-year-old.
”It’s also important for the squad to get the win and give our confidence a boost after Saturday’s loss.”
He added: ”The tour isn’t over yet. It’s a big game for me. It’s my last Lions tour and if I don’t play well tomorrow, it could well be my last Lions game. I’m putting pressure on myself.
”There’s no one more disappointed than me by the way I’ve been playing.
”Personally I like to get my hands on the ball. That ratio has been down so that’s been disappointing.
”I’ve possibly been trying too hard. When the ball’s come my way, I’ve often been looking to do things before it arrives.”
He admitted that he has felt weighed down by the the title of the world’s best player, awarded after he scored six tries in the 2008 Six Nations and was named player of the tournament as Wales won the Grand Slam for the second time in four years.
He also scored two memorable tries in successive matches against the Springboks in Pretoria and Bloemfontein during Wales’ summer 2008 tour.
”I’ve found it harder this season. The attention has been on me constantly, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
”But I still think I have a lot to offer. I like to think I’m a good finisher — that’s my bread and butter.
”I want to come away from this tour having given it all,” he said, before adding: ”You come on tour to play in the Test matches.”
Williams admitted that he had shared a word with star Springbok winger Bryan Habana after Saturday’s game in Durban.
”I told Bryan how gutted I was not to have been playing against him and that I’d hopefully see him next weekend.”
Turning to Tuesday’s game, Williams said: ”I was excited to be named in the starting line-up.
”We’ve got some class players in the backline. The competition has been so difficult. So it’s always good to get a start and pressure for a place on Saturday.” — Sapa, AFP