Williams braced for aerial battle

It is, of course, regrettable when the word “war” is ever employed in a sporting context, yet perhaps Liam Williams can be forgiven for doing so when previewing today’s collision in Dublin. After all, his coach has been hammering home the message that this will be a battle won in the skies.

Warren Gatland remains adamant the only difference between Wales and England two weeks ago – apart from the odd television match official brain-zap – was the aerial game. To counter his team’s weakness in the areas of the up and most definitely the under, Dan Biggar and Williams were parachuted back into the team – along with Leigh Halfpenny – for their first games of the campaign after shoulder and abdominal injuries respectively.

Whoever lines up at outside-half for Ireland – be it Johnny Sexton, or if back problems demand it, Joey Carberry – the visitors are expecting a green onslaught from the clouds and feel that this time they have the personnel not only to cope, but to prosper. Be sure that Williams (left) will be at the vanguard.

“I know the aerial game didn’t go too well against England and we know exactly what is going to be coming,” Williams said. “It’s going to be tough.

“I really enjoyed spending time with Conor [Murray, the scrum-half ] and Johnny on Lions duty and I’m looking forward to seeing them. It will be a war in the afternoon and then, hopefully, we will have a pint in the evening.”