Shane Williams backing Dan Biggar to unlock Ireland's defence

Johnny Sexton’s fitness race has been dominating the headlines ahead of Saturday’s crunch Six Nations tie in Cardiff, but Shane Williams believes Sexton’s opposite number Dan Biggar is becoming just as important a player for Wales.

Biggar looks to have nailed down the No 10 shirt after a number of impressive performances for his country. He scored Wales’ only try in their win over France and Williams told Sky Sports there is more to come from his former teammate.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dan for a long time with the Ospreys and Wales and he certainly is a character,” said Williams.

“He works very hard in training. He’s had a bit of stick over the years and what’s great about him is that he has shown great integrity in growing as a player, becoming stronger and learning. He doesn’t mind having to work hard to become a better player.

“Over the last two or three seasons he’s played some fantastic rugby and has been a catalyst in why Wales have been successful. It’s great to see him making that jersey his own and enjoying his rugby. He’s a great talent and has adapted with the game.

“The game at the moment relies massively on kicking, and we all see how hard he works and chases when he puts that kick up. He’s orchestrating games at the moment and leading from the front.”

Contention

Ireland arrive at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday seeking a record 11th victory that would put them on course for back-to-back Six Nations titles.

However, Williams is confident Wales can end their winning streak and remain in contention for a third championship in four seasons.

I believe there is a lot more to come from this Welsh side. Ireland are the form side in Europe at the moment but Wales proved a lot of people wrong in Paris.

“I believe there is a lot more to come from this Welsh side,” said the 38-year-old. “Ireland are the form side in Europe at the moment but Wales proved a lot of people wrong in Paris. They had a very positive approach to the game.

“You talk about team spirit in a camp and there seems to be a lot of that in the Wales squad. I do believe they are a team that are good enough to win at home.

“We talk about pressure and everything but when Wales play it doesn’t matter if it’s against Romania or Ireland at home, or New Zealand away. Wales are always under pressure from the public to do well.

“It’s going to be a great occasion, possibly a title decider, and hopefully Wales come out on top.”

Williams was working at the Stade de France for Wales’ superb 20-13 win over Les Bleus in round three, and although it is over three years since he retired from international rugby, he still finds it difficult to accept the role of a spectator.

“It’s as though I’m under as much pressure as the players,” he admitted. “I’m just as nervous.

“I’m really hard to watch a game with. I was working as a pundit in Paris and I was bouncing around the touchline like Zebedee! That’s the way I’ve always been though.

“I’d love to still be out playing with the guys but I don’t think the knees could take it. It’s hard work watching the guys, and I’m no help whatsoever on the touchline. I just need to sit back and keep my fingers crossed.”

Record tryscorer

Williams scored a record 58 tries in 87 appearances for Wales, despite once being told he ‘was too small’ to play international rugby.

However, the 38-year-old feels there is be less room on the biggest stage for smaller players.

“It certainly seems to be the case, doesn’t it?” he said. “I hope not. If I proved people wrong over the years, I’m sure there are a number of people out there who can do it.

“We still see the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Stuart Hogg coming through, who are able to compete against the Bastareauds and bigger guys and be very successful. If not, the game will become very boring.”

Williams also believes the role of a wing in international rugby has changed since his retirement. As well as being expert finishers, such as Williams in his heyday, wingers are also expected to hit rucks and put in big defensive shifts.

“The game is changing; you’ve just mentioned all the things I didn’t really like doing!” he joked.

“In this day and age, hitting and clearing out rucks and being involved as a ball carrier is a massive part of the game. Rugby these days is all about keeping ball and playing through phases, and then taking the opportunities when they come.

“The modern day winger isn’t just a player that finishes off tries in the corner. You’ve got to work very hard, become first receiver quite often, and be very strong and physical with ball in hand. You’ve also got to be a very good defender as well, and have a kicking game.

“The role has changed over the years and wingers now have to be far more talented in all aspects of the game. They also have to work harder. I think I gave up at the right time to be honest with you!”

Sam Warburton and Shane Williams are Ambassadors for GUINNESS, Official Partner of Welsh Rugby. To view GUINNESS' 'Made of More' rugby campaign, celebrating the Integrity and character of heroes from the game, visit www.youtube.com/GUINNESSEurope