Shane Williams: 64 tries and counting
Wales star Shane Williams has set his sights on chasing David Campese's remarkable tally of 64 international tries.
Williams is now 14 short of equalling the Australian legend after his double during Wales' 33-16 victory over Argentina saw him clock up a Test match half-century - 48 for Wales, and two in British and Irish Lions colours.
Although Japan's Daisuke Ohata claimed 69 international touchdowns, only a quarter of those were against tier-one nations, so Campese's mark is widely regarded as the current world-record figure.
Williams, as ever, was keen to play down his latest achievement ahead of next Saturday's clash against Australia.
"The accolade of scoring the number of tries is just a bonus to me," he said.
"I won't let it affect me, and I do not want to get carried away because I feel there are more tries in me.
"It's my job. I am still enjoying myself, and I'm capable of scoring even more. I want to get up to David Campese one day.
"When you continue to look back in history to the likes of Campese, it's a massive honour for me to be mentioned alongside quality players like him.
"It will be great to tell the children and grandchildren when I hang the boots up.
"It's one of these things that you never write a speech for or talk about, as I never expected it would happen. It still feels mad."
Williams needs one more touchdown to move above former England and Lions wing Rory Underwood as the most prolific Test match try-scorer ever seen in the northern hemisphere.
But his main priority is the team, and the aim for Wales to end their November series with another win following successes against Samoa and Argentina.
"I'm pleased we won the game, as Argentina are a tough side to play," he added.
"We created a lot of opportunities, and possibly didn't finish enough off, but it's great to put 30 points on any team.
"The performance was very good, and a step up from the games with New Zealand and Samoa. We hope that will stand us in good stead for Australia.
"Australia will come here all guns blazing after losing in Scotland, and (Wallabies fly-half) Matt Giteau is on fire - he's one of the best players in the world.
"But it's a game we want to win to give us massive momentum for this season's Six Nations."
Comments
Dragonlady says...
Perhaps Shane would be up there already if Graham Henry had shown the same faith in him as subsequent Welsh coaches have!
Posted 17:56 23rd November 2009