Williams: My rivalry with Sowden-Taylor

Jan 6 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

THE reason Martyn Williams went to the Arms Park was to play in the big Heineken Cup games, writes SIMON ROBERTS.

But, apart from his first two years, it hasn’t really worked out that way for the Blues and Wales flanker.

Now, after a seven-year wait, the Blues are on the verge of the big time, once again.

Williams, who quit Test match rugby after the 2007 World Cup in France, is relishing the chance of making the last eight of the Heineken Cup.

The Blues need two wins in their final two Pool 3 games against Harlequins and Bristol to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

“We made two quarter-finals – against Llanelli in 2000 and Gloucester in 2001 – in my first two years,” said Williams.

“Since then we haven’t been close to it but playing in big European games was the reason I joined Cardiff.”

Williams (right), who joined the old Cardiff club from arch-rivals Pontypridd, believes the Blues may just be ready to live up to their self-proclaimed status in Europe.

Although, he is the first to admit, they haven’t come close to that over the last few years.

“We all know we were called European flops but there were pretty obvious reasons for that,” said Williams.

“We don’t have the big budgets of some of the real powerhouses in Europe.

“But I do think ourselves and the Ospreys have recruited well over the last few years.

“We know we aren’t on a level playing field but Munster have really led the way and shown what can be done, when you have a commitment to your national side, too.”

Welsh rugby’s expectations of itself have always been unrealistic, but there is a sense things could change in the next few weeks.

The Blues, in particular, could fly the flag for Wales in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Williams, though, has been here before. He is not the type to get carried away, but like a fine wine, he gets better with age.

“Just like every good red, mate,” said Williams.

“I am just mentally and physically fresh.”

The 75-times capped Welsh international and Lion admits his rivalry at the Blues with Robin Sowden-Taylor has kept him on his toes.

“Robin is one of the reasons I am still going,” said Williams.

“He has really put the pressure on me and I have had to perform over the last few years.

“I knew if I didn’t, he’d take full advantage of the situation. So, I would like to think it has been good for me and him.”

Williams, though, believes the Blues’ victory over Heineken Cup favourites Stade Francais at the Arms Park holds the key to their new-found confidence in Europe.

“The Stade Francais games have had a big effect on the squad,” said Williams.

“After missing out so narrowly in Paris we knew we could beat them at home.

“We have really built our confidence in Europe on the back of that game.

“But we have to do the business against Harlequins and the fact they cannot qualify makes them even more dangerous. It means they can just enjoy themselves.

“So we have to take care of that game before we play Bristol.

“Everybody knows how tough Bristol are on their own patch, but we are not thinking about that game.”