Shane Williams was never going to forget his last hurrah in a Wales shirt and he admits he looks back on his final Test with fond, but bittersweet memories.
In 2011, Wales’ record try-scorer bid farewell to international rugby against Australia at what was then the Millennium Stadium in a game which was charged with emotion for him personally.
At the final whistle, the image of Williams holding back tears as he carries his son Carter and daughter Georgie in his arms is a powerful one. Both Carter and Georgie are wearing Wales shirts with Williams’ number 11 on the back and the name ‘Dadi’.
“That photo means a lot to me. It epitomises that day,” Williams said.
“I knew it would be the last time I’d put on the famous Welsh jersey and the last time my children would see me play Test rugby.
“I dreaded it if I’m totally honest because the last thing you want to do as a player is retire. What made it more emotional for me was the support I had from the crowd.
“I had a standing ovation even though Wales lost the game. It did mean the world to me that I scored right at the end. I guess you could describe it as bittersweet.
“To have my family in the stands at the end was amazing and I think you can see in that picture the emotion of it all. What a day it was – one of my favourite days in my whole career.”
Williams’ last game for Wales on December 3, 2011 saw Australia come out on top 24-18 with the Wallabies scoring three tries through Will Genia, Lachie Turner and Berrick Barnes.
Victory might have eluded the men in red that day and Williams admits that is a regret, but he still ended the game on an almighty high.
He scored with the game’s final play and with the clock in the red zone after receiving the ball via Dan Biggar and Scott Williams.
As he had done throughout a glittering career, Williams sidestepped the opposition defence in trademark fashion and made it to the line where he produced an outrageous, summersault celebration. The emotion on his face when he knew he was going to score was remarkable to see.
It was Williams’ 58th and last try for Wales. He ended his Wales career with 87 caps and represented his country at three World Cups. He won Six Nations Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 and also won four Test caps for the British & Irish Lions, scoring twice.
In total Williams appeared on three Lions tours in 2005, 2009, and in 2013.
He is undoubtedly one of Wales’ greatest ever players.
“I loved every second of that Australia game once it started even though it didn’t go that well for me. I was desperate to end on a high and I think I tried a bit too hard because I didn’t want it all to end,” Williams said. “I have no idea where my try celebration came from. If I did that now I’d break my back or hip! I have no idea why I did the somersault, but thankfully it went OK.
“The game was a blur and it all went so quickly. All I can remember is waking up the next day and wanting to do it all again.”
Shane’s super swansong, 2011 won Round Five with 62% of the vote. You can vote for it in the final by clicking here.
