By Kasey Rees
Liam Williams believes Wales are good enough to create history this evening.
The full-back will help his country earn a fifth Grand Slam of the Six Nations era – more than any other nation – if they beat France in Paris.
After the Warren Gatland era ended, Wales suffered their worst tournament campaign since 2007, finishing fifth in last year’s 2020 competition under new coach Wayne Pivac.
Now, a year later, nobody could have predicted that Wales will be going for their fifth Slam since 2000 – and sixth title – when they arrive at an empty Stade de France.
Victory would see Wales crowned Grand Slam champions for the second time in three seasons and Williams admits: “It’s just a dream to play for Wales and to win a Grand Slam is huge. It’s been a tough old year on and off the pitch.
“We know it’s going to be tough against France. They have been playing good rugby and have some special players.
“It’s going to be tough, but hopefully we are good enough to win and create history.”
France have been impressive throughout the tournament with their only loss against England in a close encounter at Twickenham last weekend.
Not only do Wales come up against a strong French pack, but the familiar face of Shaun Edwards, who joined the side as their new defence coach after the 2019 World Cup.
Since signing the four-year contact with Les Bleus, he has already made an impact by turning them into a defence machine.
Pivac and his men are aware of the French defensive improvement and know it will take a huge effort to beat them at home.
Williams concedes: “Shaun Edwards has turned them into a different team defensively. They have been one of the best teams defensive teams in the Six Nations.
“It’s a tough one because they are always a tough team to play against, they have got some big boys. I think we are going to have to take them down to the pits this weekend.
“Grind them down, tire them out and hopefully it opens up for the second half. I know when Shaun was here it was all about physicality. I am sure he will have a few things up his sleeve. We’ll wait and see.”
The last time Wales beat France in Paris was in a dramatic winning start to their 2019 campaign when they won 24-19 after coming back from a 16-0 deficit at half-time.
Wales fielded a similar line up under Gatland, with only the additions of Louis Rees-Zammit and Callum Sheedy to this season’s weaponry.
Williams says the autumn games were a stepping stone to give the younger boys a chance to get game time and says that has certainly paid off in this campaign.
“We had to give the younger boys a chance to get some game time. If you look at Louis [Rees-Zammit], he had one or two games in the autumn and has come through.
“You can see the player he is going to become by the performances he’s produced in this Six Nations.
“You can see how good he is with the tries he scores and gas he’s got, he’s definitely one to watch.
“His pace and his eye for the try line have shone through in this Six Nations. He was a bit raw at first, but he’s worked hard.
“One of the toughest things has been for him to keep his feet on the ground – especially given how quick he moves!
“It’s funny, but I’ve always thought of myself as one of our younger players. But I’m 29 now and Louis has only just turned 20. He was born in 2001, which just blows my mind.
“Sheeds [Sheedy] got given a chance, too, and he and the other boys have slotted in pretty well.”
Wales will claim the title and Grand Slam if they win, while France must beat them and Scotland in their rescheduled game next Friday evening with a bonus point to win the title.
Wow this is amazing 🙌🏼⚡️ https://t.co/EdzpwmdCk7
— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) March 17, 2021
Despite having no crowd in the Stade de France, or pubs packed throughout Wales with anxious fans, the agenda remains the same – a nail-biting clash against a world class side.
A win for Wales would lift the nation after a tough year of restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic.
“The autumn wasn’t great, and the fans were on our back which is kind of understandable,” says Scarlets star Williams.
“But we have come through and won four from four. Personally, it will be an amazing achievement to win a Grand Slam. It’s what people dream about.
“For the fans who haven’t been able to be there and have been watching on TV at home with a can of Carling, we want to get the win for them as well.”
“Fans or no fans, we’re playing for our country and most people would kill to be in our position.
“Hopefully, they’ll be coming back into the stadiums soon.”
