 Williams had a hugely impressive second half against the Ospreys |
Blues flanker Martyn Williams says he is desperate to play for Wales after impressing in his early return from injury in the 20-12 win over Ospreys. "Fingers crossed [for the Tests], it's Leinster next, I want to play in that and who knows from there," he said. The 34-year-old needed shoulder surgery following a bruising summer British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Williams was expected to miss Wales' November Test series against Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Argentina. But the open-side returned in the Welsh derby, easing into the first half before exploding after the break, setting up the match-sealing try for Gareth Cooper.  | 606: DEBATE |
The news will be a huge fillip for Wales coach Warren Gatland, who will also have Williams' Blues and Lions team-mate Gethin Jenkins available after he also made a swifter than expected return after shoulder surgery. The 81-cap flanker was persuaded to come out of international retirement by Gatland and the Wales coach hopes to manage his fitness so he can continue through to the 2011 World Cup finals. Gatland was struggling for options at seven in his absence, Dafydd Jones, Sam Warburton and Gavin Thomas amongst the players in contention.  | The old warhorse certainly taught us a lesson Shane Williams on Martyn Williams |
"A win was the most important thing, we've struggled against the Ospreys for the last couple of years," said Williams after the Cardiff match. "The lungs and legs were struggling and I was feeling it towards the end but it was a good one to come back into. "The shoulder's fine hopefully, I was more worried about just getting through it." Ospreys captain Shane Williams added: "We knew the breakdown would be very tough, with the likes of Warburton and old Nugget [Martyn Williams]. "The old warhorse certainly taught us a lesson. "Maybe there were a few issues where we thought they were off their feet, but we aren't going to complain about that, the Blues deserved to win."
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