Waiting in the wings to wreak havoc one last time

IT SEEMS difficult to imagine a Wales side without Shane Williams, yet after this year’s World Cup, the diminutive winger will depart the international scene, and we will all have to struggle on without the sight of him blistering down a touchline in that red number 11 jersey.

At the age of 34, Williams has decided that this autumn’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will mark his final appearance in a Wales shirt. Which means tomorrow’s clash with Ireland will be most likely be his last against the boys in green.

And after a glittering international career in which the 5ft 7ins Ospreys star has scored 53 tries in 78 appearances, dating back to his debut as a Six Nations substitute against France in 2000, that is something only the defence coaches will not lament.