Now let Williams off the leash for Wales says Byrne
LIAM Williams must start at full-back with Wales next season after a stand-out series in the position with the British & Irish Lions according to former Welsh lion Lee Byrne.
Versatile flier Williams has played most of his international rugby on the wing, but started all three Lions Tests against the All Blacks in the No.15 jersey. Byrne, who won 46 caps for Wales and one for the Lions at fullback, believes that is where Williams is best used.
“Liam has been one of the standout players on this Lions tour,” Byrne said. “I think Wales have to look at him at 15 because the way he forced his way into the Test side was hugely impressive.
“It’s no surprise to me and I’ve always preferred him at 15 rather than on the wing, because he does the most damage from fullback. I think he has kick-started his Test career as a 15 on this Lions tour and stamped his mark as a world-class player.
“His performances have made everyone sit up and take notice of him and if you impress Warren Gatland, then you must be doing something right.”
Leigh Halfpenny has been Wales’ first-choice full-back for the last four years with head coach Gatland and assistant Rob Howley big fans of his defensive work, tackle rate and relentless goal kicking.
But Williams, who will join Saracens for the start of next season, is a more elusive runner and his fine form in New Zealand has seen him eclipse Halfpenny in the Lions side.
Byrne loves the 26-yearold’s approach to the game. He says Williams’ neversay-die attitude and cavalier attacking style makes him a formidable opponent.
“Liam didn’t start well against Auckland Blues and he got that yellow card which would have hit most people hard,” Byrne added.
“It looked after that like he’d struggle to make the Test side, but his form has only got better. I thought he was excellent against the Chiefs and then he carried that into the first game with the All Blacks.
“Everyone has stepped up and taken notice of him and you can’t ask for much more than that. Opposition defences are so tight in modern-day rugby now and breaking through is getting harder and harder. That's what Liam does, you only had to look at the first Test to see that.
“If you look at the number of line breaks on this tour, he’d be towards the top and he sees space quickly. That might sound easy, but it’s not.” With Gatland returning as Wales coach for next season, he faces a decision over whether to stick with Halfpenny at full-back or go with Williams. Gatland has previously said he thinks the latter is better on the wing, despite picking him at full-back against the world’s best side. Whatever happens, Byrne thinks the performances of both players will only continue to benefit Wales. “The interesting thing for Wales moving forward is that Liam’s emergence will only increase the competition in their back three,” he said. “Liam’s versatility makes him a great member of the team. But Leigh won’t go away and he will want to stay at full-back. “The Lions coaches will tell him why he hasn't been involved and he will go away and work hard. His goal kicking means he has to be in the team too.”