Win builds Lions pride - Williams

Shane Williams drops the ball as he crosses the line against Royal XV

Shane Williams and the Lions endured a frustrating opening match

Shane Williams says the Lions' unexpectedly hard-fought opening win over Royal XV can boost the tourists.

"It wasn't pretty, there were a lot of errors and there's a lot to work on, but we need to take positives," said the Wales wing after the 25-37 victory.

"We won and that can get the ball rolling with a short turnaround to the next game against Golden Lions [in Ellis Park, Johannesburg on Wednesday].

"We're glad the opener's out of the way and hopefully we've acclimatised."

Ospreys star Williams had a frustrating game at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, nearly managing to break away with a few counter-attacks but spilling the ball as he crossed the line with the tourists needing a late fight back.

RUGBY BLOG

Victory allowed the tourists to focus on the positives despite an unconvincing display

BBC Sport's Simon Austin

"That'll be 20 press-ups for me!" laughed the 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year.

"You could feel the altitude - I certainly did. We're not used to those conditions.

"A lot of the boys didn't know what to expect, they were nervous and made errors that they haven't made all season.

"It was quite a scare. Royal XV threw everything at us, they managed to turn over a lot of balls, while we lacked discipline and made a lot of mistakes."

I am sure everyone remembers John Bentley's try in [1997] and will be looking for that x-factor on Wednesday

Lions assistant coach Rob Howley

The tourists are expected to make wholesale changes against Super 14 strugglers Golden Lions as part of coach Ian McGeechan's aim to hand every player an outing during the first three fixtures.

Lions assistant coach Rob Howley was disappointed with the opening game, but said that his experience of the 1997 tour shows that there is no cause for despondency.

"I remember on the 1997 Lions tour after losing to Northern Transvaal, the next performance against Gauteng lifted the tour to another level," said Howley.

"I am sure everyone remembers John Bentley's try in that game, and will be looking for that x-factor on Wednesday."