Williams believes Wales’ winning run puts them in good stead to capture crown
Liam Williams believes Wales’s recent history means they can win the World Cup for the first time.
Wales have yet to enjoy a better finish at the global showpiece than the third place they managed at the inaugural 1987 edition in Australia and New Zealand.
But Williams is convinced they can go all the way in
2019.
Wales, who won this season’s Six Nations with a Grand Slam, face familiar foes France in a quarterfinal in Oita on Sunday. They have beaten Les Bleus seven times in eight matches since a dramatic 2011 World Cup semifinal loss when Wales captain Sam Warburton, since retired, was sent off.
That run includes a remarkable win in the opening round of the Six Nations in February when they came from 16-0 behind at half-time to beat France 24-19 in Paris.
Another victory over the French would see Wales into a semifinal with in-form hosts Japan or SA.
“I think we can go on and win it,” said stellar Wales fullback Williams.
Victory in a World Cup final would top what has already been a hugely successful 2019 for Williams.
As well as helping Wales to Grand Slam glory, the Saracens star also featured in the North London club’s march to the European Champions Cup and English Premiership titles.
But while France, one half in a key win over Argentina, have rarely hit the heights at this World Cup, a wary Williams insisted: “I think France have been playing really well, they have got some old heads in their team and they have a lot of experience as well.”
“We need to start hard and keep that up for the whole game,” he said.
Wales and Japan are the only two teams at this World Cup to have achieved a perfect played four, won four record in the pool phase, with fellow quarterfinalists England, France and New Zealand’s concluding group matches cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis. –