WELSH rugby is littered with so many false dawns, particularly in the past decade, that the team have to make sure this is not a repeat says Rhys Williams, two-try hero of the victory over Scotland.

That performance has led to a reaction bordering on the fever pitch, with comparisons even made with the glorious seventies after the way Wales swung the ball about and ran so incisively.

Now it's Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Sunday and an altogether different test from the rather feeble challenge presented by Scotland.

"So many times good performances by Wales have been followed by a poor one," admitted Williams (pictured above).

"Ireland will have watched our game and we're expecting it to be a much tighter one on Sunday. We've got to step it up again, but there is no point looking back, you've got to look forward.

"Ireland will test our basic game and we've got to be up to scratch. It's going to be a heck of a test to go there and win.

"It's important we start well because they will be hungry and we've got to be ready to meet them, then let our skills and fitness come through."

Any complacency in the Welsh camp has been knocked out of them in training says Williams.

"We are pleased with the way we played and people have gone ecstatic with the win. But you can't look further forward than Sunday, that has been hammered into us this week," he said. "It's been a massive turnaround from last year, but you can't relax."

Williams is part of a highly dangerous 'back three' including Gareth Thomas and Shane Williams, which he recognises is causing the opposition problems.

"Shane and Gareth are exciting runners, great off their feet," he admitted. "Gareth has a bit more bulk whereas Shane is so elusive. Both look for work and they make it difficult for any defence."

Lansdowne Road is a happy hunting ground for Williams, who made a sparkling debut there for Wales under Graham Henry nearly four years ago.

Since then it's gone a bit wrong for Williams as he's been in and out of the side, alternating between full back and wing during his 32 caps.

"I've got fond memories of Dublin. I woke up absolutely scared, my dad saw me in the hotel foyer and said I was white," Williams recalled.

"Then I remember singing the national anthem and after the game in the changing rooms Scott Gibbs said I was awesome.

"He swopped his shirt with Rob Henderson and he gave me that."

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, but Williams had the same kind of game last Saturday. "I did have a point to prove. I was feeling quite edgy last week and looking forward to the game, champing at the bit for another chance," he said.

l Gwent's Richard Payne, Luke Charteris and Richard Dale have retained their places in the Wales under-21 team to face Ireland at Galway on Friday.

Team: M Nuthall (P'pridd), I Evans (Llandovery), R Payne (Newport), L Thomas (Celtic Warriors), F Brillante (Cardiff), S Macleod (Cardiff Blues), R Wells (Swansea), J Yapp (Cardiff Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), C Griffiths (Neath), I Evans (P'pridd), L Charteris (Dragons), J Merriman (Gloucester), R Pugh (Ospreys), R Dale (Newport). Replacements: D Maddocks (Llanelli Scarlets), K Crawford (Ebbw Vale), N Williams (Llanelli Scarlets), J Mills (Bath), M Jones (Ospreys), R Rees (Swansea), G Evans (Llanelli).