Liam Williams backs Louis Rees-Zammit to strike again in Six Nations Grand Slam decider for Wales in France
LIAM WILLIAMS fancies Rees Lightning to strike again and spark another Grand Slam celebration for Wales.
If the Dragons win in Paris it will be the first time they have completed the clean sweep on foreign soil in fifty years.
The last time they clinched the Grand Slam away from Cardiff was also in Paris – their 1971 triumph was completed with a 9-5 victory over the French, thanks to three point tries from Gareth Edwards and Barry John, who also kicked a penalty.
That half back pairing achieved rugby immortality, and while Rees-Zammit is a rookie playing in his first Six Nations campaign, Williams senses he could be the Welsh match-winner this time.
Rees-Zammit is the only member of today’s starting line-up who did not feature in the 2019 Grand Slam – the sixth time Wales have sealed that feat in front of their own fans since that 1971 success.
But Zambo has been the star of the show so far.
He has already bagged four tries in as many matches, putting him level with England’s Anthony Watson as the leading scorer in this year’s Championship.
Lions ace Williams made his own name as a speedster, but watching his team-mate hurtle across the turf makes him shake his head in disbelief.
He said: “You can see how good he is – and how much better he is going to be – with the tries he scores, and the amount of gas he has got.
“His pace and his eye for the try line have shone through in this Six Nations, and he’s definitely one to watch.
“He was a bit raw at first, but he’s worked hard.
“One of the toughest things has been for him to keep his feet on the ground – especially given how quick he moves!
“It’s funny, but I’ve always thought of myself as one of our younger players.
“But I’m 29 now and Louis has only just turned 20. He was born in 2001, which just blows my mind.
“But he’s a good kid, and as one of the older guys now and I’m happy to look after the new boys like him, and welcome them to the squad.
“I just hope he’ll be able to turn it on again in Paris.”
Williams waved goodbye to wife Sophie before heading to France – something he has done practically every day, despite the fact they are never more than a few hundred yards apart.
When he returned from his stint with Saracens to link up with the Scarlets, the Wales full back moved into one of the luxury lodges on the same site as the team hotel.
He grinned: “It’s a bit bizarre.
“Whenever we drive down to the bottom pitch to train I always see my missus in the window, and give her a wave.
“But it’s strange times all round at the moment, with life in the bubble and everything.
“I’m just happy to be in the squad, staying at the hotel – it means I can play Call of Duty a bit more with a clear conscience!
“I did manage to spend some time at home with Sophie after last week’s win over Italy. But to be honest I didn’t move from the couch for two days.
“I was a bit stiff after the game. It was nice not doing a lot.
“And getting back into camp, you could sense the mood of expectancy. We all know it’s a huge game for us, and we’re aware of what is at stake.
“Playing France in their own stadium is going to be tough. Individually, they’re all world class, and we’ve seen that over the past couple of months.
“But we’ve got a good record there – three wins in the last eight years – so I’m expecting it to be a close battle.”
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