Williams: I thought my Wales career was over

World Cup hero Shane Williams will make his first appearance for Wales in Cardiff in more than two years tomorrow, admitting he feared he would never play for his country again.

The 26-year-old was dispatched to the international wilderness after his last game at the Millennium Stadium in October 2001 when he was part of a Welsh team that slumped to a humiliating 36-6 defeat by Ireland.

Williams shot back to prominence with his try-scoring exploits against New Zealand when he was finally handed his World Cup chance last October before producing a mesmerising display of wing wizardry in the quarter-final against England.

The Neath-Swansea Ospreys flier will return against Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations opener as part of a back line being hailed as the best since the last golden era of JJ Williams, Gerald Davies and co in the 1970’s.

“I never thought about giving up but I was thinking about giving up hope,” admitted Williams. “I had a feeling I might never play for Wales again.

“I had had a lot of injuries and it has affected my performances. I was even doubting if I was good enough to play for Neath.

“My confidence was down in the World Cup because I wasn’t playing in any of the matches. It was a long four weeks so when I was given the chance to play I wanted to grab it with both hands.

“Lucky enough, it turned out that way and those last two games were brilliant. We felt we were capable of beating anyone and that’s the feeling we want to carry into the Six Nations.

“I haven’t played at the National Stadium for a couple of years and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there. The stadium and the crowd can definitely lift you and I am someone who feeds off a crowd.”

Williams, who has 13 tries in 13 Tests since his debut against France in 2000, believes he will be even more of a threat in the Six Nations than he was Down Under.

Finally free of injury, Williams has also been modelling his game on that of New Zealand wing Doug Howlett, widely regarded as the finest in the world.

“Doug is a top guy,” added Williams. “He is an excellent finisher, He has this knack of popping up in the right place at the right time.

“I have been studying his sprinting technique and have been modelling my running style on his. It has already added a yard of pace to my game.

“I’ve been free of injury for a long while now and really enjoying my game.

I can’t wait to run out against Scotland.”

Wales coach Steve Hansen, about to embark on his final Six Nations campaign before returning to New Zealand, believes Williams gives his side an extra attacking edge.

“Shane brings something to the table not many people can,” said Hansen. “He is a whippet, can change direction on a sixpence and has got plenty of courage.”