More to come from Wales, vows Shane

Feb 14 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

SIZZLING Shane Williams last night declared, “You ain’t seen nothing yet from this Welsh team.”

Despite kicking off with victories over England and Scotland, Williams believes Warren Gatland’s men have only scratched the surface of their full potential so far in the Six Nations.

The wing wizard says they will now be looking for a big improvement when they take on Italy at the Millennium Stadium in nine days’ time.

“There is a lot more to come from this group of players,” he said.

“We haven’t played consistently for 80 minutes in either match yet and we know we are capable of doing that.

“We are very happy with the way things have gone in terms of results, but there are improvements to be made throughout our game.

“There are plenty of things to work on and we know we can be better again.

“But the confidence is certainly there and we feel we can do something special this season. There’s a real buzz around the camp.

“We have got a great squad and there’s huge competition for places.

“Warren has shown he’s not frightened to make changes, which goes to show the strength in depth we have at the moment.

“There’s obviously a long way to go and we can’t get too ahead of ourselves because we’ve got some very difficult games to come.

“But the boys are certainly excited with the way everything is going.

“There’s a good spirit in the camp and everyone gets on well together. We are all enjoying coming into training and being in each other’s company. There’s a really good camaraderie in the team and everyone wants to do well for each other.”

On a personal note, Williams is on fire at the moment, having claimed a stunning try double in last Saturday’s 30-15 victory over Scotland in Cardiff.

Coach Gatland made a point of praising the Osprey’s new-found accuracy after the match, pointing to the fact that he doesn’t lose the ball in contact as much these days.

It’s a point that’s not lost on the 53-cap Williams.

“I would agree with him,” he said.

“It’s something I have worked hard on this season.

“There would be a time that I’d try and offload when it wasn’t really on or gamble with a pass. I like to think that I’ve learned from that.

“There’s nothing more frustrating than beating a player and losing the ball in contact.

“I’ve been working very hard with the Ospreys and Wales at holding on to the ball in those situations.

“It was something that was lacking in my game and something that I’ve certainly addressed.”

The 30-year-old Williams added, “I am feeling really good at the moment.

“Everything is going well for me. I am enjoying my rugby and I tend to play my best rugby when that’s the case. I would like to think that I fit in with Warren’s plans in terms of the way I play.

“He does like a structured game and to do things a particular way, but I think he appreciates that my game is sometimes about doing things that don’t go to structure.

“I just hope that fits in with his plans and what he wants.

“We’re playing some nice rugby and that definitely fits in with the way I play and I’m glad of that.

“The way the Scotland game went certainly suited my style of rugby.

“I was able to get involved quite a lot and I’m hoping that’s what Warren wants.”

Gatland would undoubtedly have been delighted by the way Williams got involved to devastating effect for his two tries, which both involved razor-sharp finishes.

His second acrobatic touchdown was clouded in controversy with the TMO giving it the thumbs up only for subsequent replays to suggest Williams’ toe-cap had grazed the touchline.

“I felt at the time that I had scored it,” he said.

“Having seen it back on video, it was very touch and go. As a winger, you are going to be flirting with the touchline.

“If I had tried cutting inside, there’s no way I would have scored it. You’ve just got to go for it and that’s what I did.

“It was nip and tuck and obviously very tight. I am certainly glad they gave it.”

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