Sofa so good for Martyn Williams

Mar 2 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

MARTYN WILLIAMS shouldn’t really be on the pitch at Croke Park, writes SIMON ROBERTS.

The Wales and Lions star should be watching the Triple Crown clash with Ireland from his sofa with a glass or two.

Or cheering from the stands as a fan.

Instead, he is back in the thick of it and loving every minute.

It’s no secret that the Wales and Blues openside had had enough after Wales’ early exit from the World Cup.

The 32-year-old admits the new coaching regime is a world away from the previous one under Gareth Jenkins.

“Warren is very laid back with the boys. But they are honest and that’s all you want,” said Williams.

“If you do something wrong they let you know about it. They have brought a winning mentality, which is the biggest difference.

“Warren gives us a lot more direction than we have had. Under Gareth there was some confusion over the style he wanted. There are no grey areas under Warren or Shaun. He’s very clear about what he wants and perhaps Welsh players respond better to that.” Williams, who will win his 79th cap against Ireland, gives a revealing insight into what Welsh players want from a national coach.

“Look at Graham Henry and Steve Hansen,” said Williams. “Whenever a disciplinarian comes in they have always had an immediate effect.

“I don’t know if it’s a Welsh trait, but we seem to do better when we have people on our back. Now we get challenged.

“Perhaps since the Grand Slam we’ve been allowed to slip into a comfort zone.”

Williams also admits Gatland’s recent blast about Welsh players being ‘pampered’ hit a raw nerve. “We are so desperate for success in Wales that when we have a bit it can be exaggerated,” said Williams. “If you’re a young guy you can get caught up in it all and relax.

“How you handle success is very important, it shows where you are as individuals and as a team.

“We’ve learned lessons from that and keep improving. We have to make sure it’s not a flash in the pan.”

Williams’ durability as an openside has been astonishing, especially when you think he has played for a Wales side which has struggled for most of his Test career. This is evidenced by the fact that the Croke Park encounter will be his 35th consecutive Six Nations game for his country.

The Blues back-rower is quick to praise another tough-talking Kiwi for his longevity.

“I’m really lucky that Andrew Hore came as fitness coach when he did,” said Williams.

“He taught me a lot about being more professional in the way I look after my body.”

Williams’ status in the Wales squad is evident from a request he had from Shaun Edwards, the Wales defence coach.

Edwards wanted Williams to take a defensive drill with the back row and the centres. “I’m not sure Gavin and Shanks were that happy about getting involved,” smiled Williams. “But we saw the sense of them and kept them up, even when Shaun returned to Wasps for a few days.”

Williams, though, is focused on Wales’ first appearance at Croke Park, next weekend.

Wales haven’t won in Dublin since 2000, and Williams has never won out there.

“We’ve got a terrible record out there,” said Williams.

“They’ve got the edge on us and I’ve been out there three times and been part of some real beatings. So it would be nice to get one back.”