ELV's no worries for Williams

Williams, 31, admits he is relishing getting his hands on a rugby ball again after spending hours swotting up on the Experimental Law Variations (ELV's).

And he believes the new rules will suit his style of play. "We've been learning and training under the new rules and I reckon they suit me," he said.

"Some people may disagree, but changes like the five metres behind the scrum in defence will really suit my attacking game. It will give me a chance to get on the ball more.

"The quick throw-ins are also good because we can play some nice, open rugby and the ball flowing early. And if you touch the corner flag it will now count as a try and that will definitely suit me! So opposition defenders watch out."

Williams, who lines up for his testimonial match against Leicester at the Liberty Stadium next Saturday, became Wales' highest try scorer this year after taking his total to 43 - including two wonder scores against world champions South Africa this summer.

Now he reckons he can move up another gear for both the Ospreys and the Grand Slam champions this Autumn.

He said: "I feel I can get better. I said in pre-season last year I felt in top form and ready to go and it's the same this time. Last season wasn't perfect by no means but I'm more experienced and looking for a bigger season again.

"I'm a far better player than in the past and have grown up. I don't think it's asking too much that I improve because I'm more than capable of it.

"I didn't make any further predictions than that last season and it worked for me. My only target is to play well in every game.
"My confidence is sky high and it was a shame that the season had to end after the South Africa tour. I'm really hungry for the new season to start."