Williams: We must do job jor Hansen
Flanker Martyn Williams has told his fellow Welsh players to forget about trying to impress their new coach and ensure they give Steve Hansen a winning send-off against Italy in tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations finale in Cardiff.
Hansen is returning to New Zealand at the end of the championship and his successor, Mike Ruddock, will be at the Millennium Stadium to watch the players he will be in charge of for the next few years.
“It will be in the back of our minds that we will have a new coach,” said Williams, recalled to the side in place of the injured Jonathan Thomas.
“But we have got to remember we have a job to do. We have to beat Italy and that is what we have got to focus on, not trying to impress the new coach. We have to concentrate on our own performance and do the best we can.”
Wales know Italy have set their sights on winning an away game in the championship for the first time since they entered the Six Nations in what will be a battle to decide who finishes fourth.
The Welsh triumphed when the teams met in the group stage of the Rugby World Cup in Australia last October although the memories of last year’s shock defeat in Rome still linger.
“The defeat in Rome has been mentioned this week,” added Williams. “There could be no excuses.
“They totally outplayed us on the day and showed how dangerous they can be, they are more than capable of beating anyone.
“But we learnt a lot as a group in that defeat. And I think we have come a long way since then.
“We have beaten them in the Rugby World Cup since, but that game in the World Cup was one of the most physical we have played in the last 12 months.
“We are going into the game as favourites, but Italy have played very well in the Six Nations. It is only England who have blown them away.
“We will need to be on the top of our game if we are going to beat them.”
Hansen, who will join the All Black coaching regime under Welsh predecessor Graham Henry, will decide on the line-up for his final game after training today.
The Kiwi is waiting on the fitness of centre Iestyn Harris before deciding if the Cardiff player or team-mate Tom Shanklin should partner Mark Taylor.
Hansen has made two definite changes to the side that pushed England to the brink at Twickenham two weeks ago with the return of Williams and Gareth Llewellyn at lock.
Llewellyn will equal the record of 87 Welsh caps set by outside-half Neil Jenkins when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow possibly for the final time.
“It is nice to have done it but it was not a goal of mine,” said Llewellyn, who made his debut 15 years ago, of his landmark appearance.
“Maybe it is something I will look back on later and realise how special it was. Rugby has changed so much since I made my debut.
“I think I have played under seven coaches and there have been a few part-time ones – that is too many. It is more than any other major rugby playing nation and having that many coaches has hindered development.”
