Shane Williams dedicated career landmark to Wales

Shane Williams dedicated his latest career landmark to the Wales team after joining Test rugby’s exclusive 50-try club.

Williams’ second-half double against Argentina made it 48 touchdowns for Wales – an on-going record – while he also claimed two in British and Irish Lions colours earlier this year. The 32-year-old has now moved alongside former England star Rory Underwood on the all-time international list, with only two other players above him.

“I am in the team to score tries and it’s always great to cross the line,” said Williams. “It is great to reach landmarks, but this one is very much for the team. The game against Argentina was a massive match for us.”

Williams, by his demanding standards, had endured a below-par 2009, claiming just two tries prior to the Argentina game that threatened his most barren 12 month period as a Test player.

But he showed the magic has not deserted him, twice leading Argentina’s defence a merry dance as Wales ran out 33-16 winners.

“Shane is such a talented rugby player,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland. “It’s great if you have two, three or four players in your team with the X-factor, and we are lucky he is one of those.

“Perhaps he made his first try a little bit more difficult than he should have done, but it is great to see him with ball in hand and scoring tries for Wales again.

“It has been tough for him in terms of the world player of the year award (an accolade bestowed on Williams last November) and the pressures he was under.

“Shane knows himself he hasn’t played as well as he is capable of. I am just pleased to see him get a bit of form back and a bit of confidence.

“You need players who can sometimes create something from nothing.”