Skipper Keeps The Faith

Wales skipper Martyn Williams says his young side are only one major scalp from reaching their full potential.
The British Lions backrower is expected to lead Wales against world champions Australia at their Sydney fortress this Saturday, and admits that the pride of being named captain comes hand-in-hand with a degree of trepidation.
“Captaining my country was something I always dreamed about and something I love but I know what comes with it if you’re not successful,” said the Cardiff skipper.
“I’ve seen what happens to Welsh captains first-hand with Dai Young, Rob Holwey and more recently Colin Charvis and it did worry me.
“They all took a bit of stick but perhaps that’s just something that comes with the position, that’s professional sport.”
Williams has been trying to raise the confidence of the young Welsh squad and is hoping that this tour might bring the one major result that, he believes, will unleash the potential from within.
“It has been difficult over the last six or seven games and it’s admittedly not ideal coming in as captain when results aren’t going your way but we have got a young squad and the spirit really is good,” he said.
“I know people might not believe that or understand it after so many defeats but when you look at our games against the best teams it has brought the best out in us.
“Against South Africa, twice, New Zealand, Engand and Ireland we were in there competing right to the end. It’s just disappointing that ultimately we let ourselves down in the other games like Italy and Scotland.
“It’s desperately frustrating and sometimes you just don’t know what it is, hopefully it’s simply a lack of experience.
“Confidence is also a big factor in winning and it’s hard when you keep getting so close and then falling at the final hurdle.
“I think this team just needs one big win, that’s all, and then hopefully that would convince the players that they are good enough.”