By Alex Bywater
Liam Williams admits he’s living out his dream as he prepares to win his 50th cap for Wales when Warren Gatland’s side face Tonga in the Under Armour Series at Principality Stadium.
Saracens and British & Irish Lions back Williams will bring up a half century of Test appearances against the Pacific Islanders as Wales look to make it three wins from three this November.
After victories over Scotland and Australia, Tonga are up next for Gatland’s side on what will be an afternoon to remember for Williams who starts on the right wing.
“It is going to be a great occasion for me and my loved ones,” Williams said.
“It was always my boyhood dream to play for Wales. It gives me goose bumps now just talking about getting to 50 caps and hopefully there are many more to come.
“I am just a scaffolder living the dream! I did not really think it would be possible to get here. To win my 50th cap now is one of my greatest achievements.
“Any game is emotional, but I have to look at the 50th as just a number. It is not about the cap number. It’s about me putting that red jersey on and going out there and giving 110 per cent.” Williams starts against Tonga as one of 14 changes made by head coach Gatland from the team which beat Australia 9-6.
Lock Adam Beard is the sole survivor from the Wallaby encounter. Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins captains the side on his first Test start in Wales.
Jonah Holmes of Leicester Tigers joins Williams in the back three and will start at full-back.
“I will play anywhere in the back three,” said Williams, who is equally comfortable at wing or full-back.
“I would prefer to play 15, but Gats has picked Jonah there and we will both go out there and give it our best shot.
“The positions are interchangeable in the back three now and during the games you do tend to switch. We can both play wing or full-back, so it’s all good.
“There is a lot of depth in the back three now. As a squad we are in a good place and that is only going to work well for us leading into the Rugby World Cup.
“I am the most experienced in the back three and it feels as if I have been here a while. As long as I can help the boys along, I am happy to do so.”
Wales’ forwards – including front rowers Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee and Leon Brown – will face a huge Tongan side who warmed up for the game in Cardiff by beating the French Barbarians.
“We know what Tonga are about. They are a big-hitting team who like to throw the ball about so we have to be aware of that,” Williams said.
“As long as we have our own house in order hopefully we will get the win.
“It is good we can make these changes which are going to help us going through to the Rugby World Cup.
“It would be awesome to get a win under our belts and then it’s the big one next weekend against South Africa. Hopefully we can try to finish off with another victory.”