Shane Williams receives tribute from Welsh rugby players

02/12/2011

Shane Williams received a special tribute from the rest of the Welsh rugby squad ahead of his final appearance in the national shirt this Saturday (December 3rd).

Fellow players wore Williams masks in training as they prepared for the big match with Australia, in which the diminutive winger hopes to bow out in style.

Fans enjoying corporate hospitality at the Millennium Stadium may not see any more of the star after this weekend, but may be keen to ensure they are back at the venue for the Six Nations in the new year as the rest of the Welsh team seeks to build on its World Cup performances.

The 34-year-old - who has played 86 times for his country and scored 11 tries - made what may be a doomed attempt to play down the pre-match hype, saying: "It is not Shane Williams versus Australia, it's Wales versus Australia and I don't want the fact it is my final game to cloud that."

One player who will not be featuring in Cardiff is Australian centre Rob Horne, who has a hamstring injury.

His late withdrawal means a place in the starting line-up for Anthony Fainga'a.

By Keith Prowse