Williams to stake his claim

Martyn Williams is set to make his bid for a British and Lions Test place in tomorrow’s clash against Western Province at Newlands.

But the Wales back-row star knows he needs a big performance to threaten current Test openside favourite David Wallace.

Williams, who has been hampered by a shoulder injury in recent days, will pack down in a Lions back-row that is also set to include his Wales and Cardiff Blues colleague Andy Powell.

“They both have to front-up and perform well,” said Lions assistant coach and Wales boss Warren Gatland.

“They know they need to make an impression. Martyn is very aware he is in a shoot-out with David Wallace.”

The Lions, bolstered by Wales captain Ryan Jones’ arrival in Cape Town as replacement for injured Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris, are seeking a fifth successive tour win.

Their opening Test match against world champions South Africa is just eight days away, but they appear to be building impressively towards that Durban showdown.