A sort of homecoming for Aussie hero Big Jim

MUNSTER legend Jim Williams returned to the province yesterday, eagerly looking ahead to tomorrow night’s clash with his old comrades at Thomond Park while concerned at the form displayed by his native Australia in their 35-18 defeat to England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Williams, now assistant coach of the Wallabies, admits tomorrow’s tie has assumed even greater significance for the tourists who are desperate to avoid a second successive defeat and want to see several candidates put their hands up for selection to the Test side that faces Italy in Florence on Saturday.

Williams will be guaranteed a warm welcome in Limerick tomorrow night having had four playing seasons in the red jersey before taking the role of assistant coach and helping guide them to Heineken Cup glory in 2006 and 2008.