Williams relishing challenge in land of the giants

SCOTT Williams believes his PRO12 final midfield duel with Francis Saili was the ideal way to prepare for Wales’ summer tour clashes with Tonga and Samoa.

Williams helped the Scarlets to PRO12 glory with an entertaining 46-22 victory over Kiwi Saili’s Munster last month, getting the better of the giant centre as his team lifted their first silverware since 2004.

Now the 26-year-old – who was unlucky to miss out on British & Irish Lions squad – is concentrating fully on international duty. Wales face Tonga at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday.

Williams said: “Both Tonga and Samoa are going to have 15 men like Saili, so it was perfect preparation! They are physical boys and we know we’ll have to match that.

“But our team isn’t afraid to mix it and we’re looking forward to that battle. It will be a tough game because Tonga are not that bothered about structure – that makes them very dangerous.

“We’ve got to make sure we keep hold of the ball and don’t turn it over easily. They have dangerous players from turnovers, and most tries are scored from those situations these days.”

Wales’ clash with Tonga is part of a double header of fixtures with New Zealand facing Samoa in the second game of the night. Robin McBryde’s men will then travel to Apia to face Samoa a week later. They are two difficult games for a Wales side without 12 of their key players who are on duty with Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions squad.

Williams nonetheless believes McBryde’s young party have the talent to seal two victories.

He said: “I feel quite old at the moment, but it’s a good bunch of boys we have here. It’s nice to see the young guys get an opportunity and this tour is a chance for them to stake their claim.

“They have X Factor and can create something out of nothing. I’m looking forward to seeing Steffan Evans and Keelan Giles shine and I think they will suit the way we play.”