Five-star Williams eager for Test chance

Five-try star Shane Williams has declared himself ready to step up to face the All Blacks on Saturday after cutting Manawatu to shreds in the 109-6 victory in Palmerston North.

The Wales wing was deservedly named man of the match for a scintillating display as the midweek team went some way to erasing the memories of last weekend’s demoralising 21-3 defeat to New Zealand in the first Test.

“I enjoyed myself. I didn’t want the game to end,” said Williams.

“It was the last chance to prove a point before the game at the weekend.

“I had to give 100% today to prove I wanted to play on Saturday and if that is the case (that he is selected) I’ll give the same effort on Saturday.

“I played the game I wanted to play and hopefully I didn’t let myself down. If I do get the chance I will be a happy man.”

On the overall performance, the 28-year-old told Sky Sports: “It was a great bounce back. All credit to Manawatu, they didn’t give up.

“We picked our heads up from the weekend and we threw the ball around and played some rugby.

“The set-pieces went well and it was a great defence. You can count on your hand the number of missed tackles there were.”