Williams: I love it here

Williams: Ready for action

For some reason I do enjoy playing at altitude and do enjoy playing on the hard grounds, so hopefully it will be the same this summer.

Shane Williams
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British and Irish Lions winger Shane Williams has warned South Africa that the hard grounds and altitude hold no fear for him.

The games in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Rustenburg will be all played at altitude, while rock hard grounds will face the Lions throughout the 10-match tour.

However while the Springboks may feel the conditions will work in their favour, IRB player of the year Williams insists he just loves playing in South Africa.

Williams, who is one of the favourites to start the first Test against the world champions, told Sky Sports News: "South Africa as a country, I love it over here to be honest.

Chance

"I have done some things over here that you wouldn't have a chance to do anywhere else in the world, plus there is a bit of rugby to be played as well.

"I have enjoyed my rugby over here. I think the fields and stadiums are absolutely fantastic. It is like playing on a running track at times. The nice open fields and rugby suits me and I certainly hope that is the case this summer.

"It is tough here and we have trained very hard to make sure we are ready for this. Obviously the grounds are hard and the altitude means it takes you 20 minutes to get going and get your breath but it is the same for everyone.

"We have prepared as much as we can for this because we want to hit the ground running. But for some reason I do enjoy playing at altitude and do enjoy playing on the hard grounds, so hopefully it will be the same this summer."