Campaign Sport

Shane back to his best - Gatland

By Chris Kirwan

11:30am Wednesday 10th March 2010

WARREN Gatland has challenged Shane Williams to put one of his rivals to the throne of world's best winger in the shade after shelving outside distractions and returning to his best.

Williams was arguably at the peak of his powers in 2008 when he was named IRB World Player of the Year after a dazzling Six Nations campaign and a summer tour to South Africa where he turned Bryan Habana inside out.

Last year was a disappointment by his high standards and Tommy Bowe, Ugo Monye and Luke Fitzgerald were all preferred to Williams in the British and Irish Lions Test team before he came in for the third and final Test (in which he crossed for a brace).

But Williams is back. He inspired Wales to a stunning comeback against Scotland, crossing for the match-winner, and his side-stepping try against France was his 50th for his country.

Gatland believes the 33-year-old has benefited from being free from the shackles of being the world’s best.

“It was a tough time for him after winning the IRB world player award,” said the Wales boss.

“He had a testimonial season, he wrote a book, that can put a player under a lot of pressure. But he isn’t hampered by those expectations.

“Playing the game is what he does best and he has hit some great form.

“I’m not criticising him for last season. I think he’s been a great servant for Welsh rugby. I can’t deny a player of that age and experience, after what he has given to the game, the chance to cash in on some of those benefits.

“But he hasn’t got those distractions at the moment and you can see it in the way he is training and playing.”

Williams has recaptured his best form just in time to go up against his Ospreys teammate and Ireland flyer Bowe, a man who would be a contender for a world XV himself.

“Tommy probably got the better of Shane 12 months ago in Cardiff,” said the Wales boss.

“He played really well and gave him a hard time.

“I think Shane will be pretty motivated to not let Tommy get the better of him again on Saturday.”

• Email this page