Sizzling Shane chasing Campo (From South Wales Argus)

Sizzling Shane chasing Campo

9:30am Monday 23rd November 2009

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SHANE Williams is aiming to surpass Australian legend David Campese’s 64 international tries record after the Welsh wizard celebrated his half-century at the weekend.

The winger’s brace against Argentina brought up his 50 – 48 for Wales and two for the Lions during their victory over South Africa in July.

Williams now shares the record with Leicester great Rory Underwood for the most tries scored by a northern hemisphere player.

And the Ospreys flyer said there is more to come as he chases Campo and Japan’s Daisuke Ohata, who holds the record with 69 touchdowns.

Williams, 31, said: “It is pleasing to score 50 tries but I was just as happy when I scored my first try for Wales. It’s a great honour and I’m glad to still be playing for Wales.

“The accolade of scoring the number of tries is just a bonus to me. I won’t let it affect me and I do not want to get carried away because I feel there are more tries in me.”

He added: “It’s my job. I’m still enjoying myself and I’m capable of scoring even more. I want to get up to David Campese one day. When you continue to look back in history to the likes of Campese, it’s a massive honour for me to be mentioned alongside quality players like him.

“It will be great to tell the children and grandchildren when I hang the boots up.

“It’s one of these things that you never write a speech for or talk about as I never expected it would happen. It still feels mad.”

Williams said he is no ‘Statto’ and only thought about how close he was to Underwood’s record as a result of some dressing-room banter.

“Andy Powell came up to me before the game and he was telling me he had put a couple of quid on me as I needed two for 50 tries,” Williams said.

“I was laughing at him because I really didn’t know what he was on about. I had no idea at all and didn’t listen to him.

“But I hope number 50 was not the last of my tries as I want people to be talking about scoring my 51st and 52nd tries.

“Hopefully I get picked to face Australia, and if I score to become the greatest in the northern hemisphere then I’ll be a happy man.”

And from all his great memories, which try does he treasure the most?

Williams said: “My favourite try was the one against France in the 2008 Grand Slam decider. It was probably not the most special I’ve scored but it meant a lot as I beat Alfie’s (Gareth Thomas) try-scoring record for Wales.”

On Saturday’s victory and looking ahead to the Australian challenge this weekend, he said: “I’m pleased we won the game as Argentina are a tough side to play. We created a lot of opportunities and possibly didn’t finish enough off, but it’s great to put 30 points on any team.

“We have a great back line who are capable of scoring tries. We will not panic. You have to take your chances when you can.

“It was great to see Stephen Jones score a try and he looked like Usain Bolt getting over the line from 40 metres.

“The performance was very good and a step up from the games with New Zealand and Samoa. We hope that will stand us in good stead for Australia.”

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