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Page last updated at 10:44 GMT, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Williams welcomes McCaw challenge

WALES v NEW ZEALAND
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 22 November Kick-off: 1715 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Two, Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & the BBC Sport website


Richie McCaw
New Zealand's Richie McCaw is regarded as the world's best open-side

Martyn Williams is eager to test himself against a player he rates as one of the best in the world.

The Wales open-side flanker has the task of nullifying Richie McCaw when they face New Zealand on Saturday in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

"He's not only the best open-side in the world, he's probably the best rugby player in the world," Williams said.

"You've got to push the laws right to the edge and Richie's obviously the best in the world at doing that."

Cardiff Blues flanker Williams says Wales need to learn from McCaw and his team-mates in how to play the game.

"They say 'if you're not cheating, you're not trying' and he (McCaw) gets away with a lot, but so do all of them," Williams added.

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"I think that's why they do well, they do it as a group, they push the laws to the edge and that's international rugby.

"You've got to live right on the edge and that's why they're so successful, that's why they win big games and that's why they're probably the number one ranked team in the world.

"We can learn from that, you've got to be careful not to give away silly penalties, but you've got to try and push things as much as you can as well."

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953, but there were encouraging signs against South Africa that Wales are capable of turning over the big southern hemisphere sides.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was furious with his players after the 20-15 loss a fortnight ago for letting slip a golden opportunity to claim a rare scalp.

Now Wales will have to redouble their efforts against Gatland's countrymen, who have cruised through their opening two UK tour games against Scotland and Ireland.

"It's probably the ultimate challenge as a player to face the All Blacks and they're in as strong form as ever," Williams said.

"So it's a great test as to where we are as a group and as where you are as an individual as well to play against probably some of the best players in the world.

"It's a big test for us but we're really excited about it and can't wait."

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