Williams ready to shock Irish

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The International Rugby Board player of the year accepts there will be an inevitable kicking duel this weekend with the stakes so high but hopes the team produce a better performance than the laboured 20-15 victory over Italy last week.

"I think we kicked it 49 times (in Rome)," he said. "We all know Wales are a better side when they've got ball in hand and they are attacking defences. But you learn these things from games."

He added: "There has got to be a balance. You have to kick to control territory and regain possession, but at the same time you can chuck it about a bit and hopefully we can test a very good Irish defence.

"I was getting quite frustrated chasing kicks and not getting involved as much as I would have liked to, but that's the way games go. Hopefully, we've learnt a big lesson.

"There will still be a kicking duel on Saturday - Ronan O'Gara probably kicks the ball more than anyone, and he's very clever at it - but we need to get the balance right and start moving the Irish back-line around a little bit."

Welsh Grand Slam hopes were lost in France three weeks ago, yet the Triple Crown and Six Nations title remain at stake for them on Saturday. The latter half of that double trophy bid sees Wales having to beat Grand Slam-chasing Ireland by 13 points or more.

Williams added: "What better time to play out of your skins against an Irish side that is coming to win the Grand Slam - and take the Grand Slam from us?

"It's almost a little bit personal. This would be the perfect time to perform like we know we can. There is a lot more to come, which is quite exciting as far as we are concerned.

"This tournament is difficult. We said before the championship started it would be tougher this year, and it has proven that. Probably our toughest test is going to be against Ireland, but I hope it will be Ireland's toughest game as well."