Williams duo say goodbye

Published: Saturday, 2. June, 2012 in category Northern Hemishere
Shane Williams: Definitely his last game

Former Cardiff Blues flanker Martyn Williams was summoned to win his 100th cap and was greeted by a rapturous roar from the crowd when he entered from the replacements' bench early in the second half.

His most notable contribution was a tackle at full stretch to stop his namesake, who was playing for the beaten Baa-Baas to conclude a farewell tour which saw him play his last competitive international in the World Cup third-place play-off before making a farewell appearance in the red jersey.

There have been reports of a farewell season in an emerging league, possibly in Japan, but Shane Williams told BBC Wales: "I'm retired from rugby, it was my last, last game - honestly!"

Martyn Williams, asked whether it was decisively farewell from him as well, said: "Yeah, definitely - I'll be up there watching this time next year.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, it's been a pretty emotional day."

Late tries from James Hook and Aled Brew earned Wales a 30-21 win and Martyn Williams said: "It was played in a competitive spirit and full credit to our boys."

Hook converted his own well-taken score from near the left touchline to nudge the hosts ahead at 23-21 before also improving Brew's interception score with the last action of the game.

"I was just praying it went over," he said of his kick with the scores level," he said.

"It was important to get the win. I'm just glad I got over (for the try), I saw Cedric Heymans coming and had Aled on the outside but I'm just glad I got in.

"It was a great learning curve for these boys against quality opposition, we'll take the W and look forward to the game next week.

"It was a great send-off for Martyn and obviously Shane as well."

Brew and opposite wing Harry Robinson both scored tries, suggesting that - with George North and Alex Cuthbert also having sparkled since their elevation to the national team - the void left by Williams can be effectively filled.

The former Ospreys man reserved special praise for Robinson and said: "Harry had a great game, he worked hard, came off his wing a lot and made my life a lot harder.

"I'm chuffed he got the try, he came looking for ball and he deserved it."