Williams previews Gloucester clash
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00
Cardiff Blues flank Martyn Williams expects this weekends Heineken Cup clash with Gloucester to be the teams hardest test so far this season.
Both sides enjoyed opening day victories last weekend but, with the Blues never really having been challenged by Calvisano, Williams says they are expecting a massively increased examination on Sunday.
With the Blues determined to make an impact in Europe this season Williams admits they are well aware that this early season clash with the Guinness Premiership could well shape much of their new campaign.
"Next Sunday will be the time to judge what we can do in Europe and when we will find out where we really stand," said Williams.
"At the moment we are still finding our feet but it will be our hardest game of the season so far and only then we will know what level we are playing at.
"Any tries and bonus points are very important in this competition. If you pick them up along the way it could make the difference when it all goes into the mix at the end of the group stage.
"And while we are still under no illusions about how tough a group this is, we really could not have asked for a much better start.
"Although at the end of the day the result in Calvisano is nothing more than a confidence boost and we know we have to go up a few levels to compete with Gloucester, one of the best sides in England."
The 81-time capped Welsh international will be on familiar territory this weekend once more as the two Anglo-Welsh rivals meet at the Millennium Stadium.
"To play at the Millennium Stadium against a team with so many household names will be a fantastic occasion," said Williams.
"It’s going to be massive and that’s the great thing about Europe. It will be a tough game for us but, if we concentrate on our own game and give our all, hopefully that will be enough.
While he remains full of praise for this weekends opponents Williams was also quick to point out the Blues have yet to hit their best form this season and yet still come into the game full of belief that they can get the job done.
"We are nowhere near our peak yet. We have shown glimpses and hopefully that is all building up to a really big performance next week.
"There’s definitely still a lot more to come from us. You should never be satisfied with a performance and you always have to be looking to improve.
"Next week will be a really big step up for us, something entirely different to Calvisano. But it’s brilliant and that’s the kind of game you want to be involved in."
"The big test will be in defence as Gloucester have so many attacking weapons that we really have to step up in that area.
"That said, it was a good result in Italy. First and foremost, it was important for us to get a win out there so to score that many tries was just a huge bonus.
"It took us a while to grind them down, but we played some good stuff in the second half and it was just too much for them.
"It was a no-win situation because everyone expects you to get a result, but the manner in which we did it was very pleasing.
"There is still a lot for us to work on and we won’t be resting on our laurels. But we have to be happy with that score."
