Williams could sign off from professional rugby in Swansea when the Dragons visit the Liberty Stadium on Friday night, four-and-a-half months after he won his last Wales cap in the autumn Test with Australia.
The 35-year-old former IRB World Player of the Year ended his Wales career in style when he scored his 58th try with the final play of the game against the Wallabies.
And now Humphreys is hoping for a similar scenario in the RaboDirect PRO12 derby as Williams looks to end an Ospreys try-drought that dates back to October 2010.
“Suffice to say this group would love to see Shane go out with a bang because he’s been absolutely huge for us,” said Humphreys, who believes a win over the Dragons would be the best way for the Ospreys to say thank you to their talisman.
“He’s been a pleasure to watch and you only have to consider the impact he’s had as a world player of the year playing for this region, coming from this region and wanting to finish his career here.
“It’s a massive occasion, with Shane playing what could be his last game in Swansea. He’s a huge member of this squad and we want to give him the best send-off we can.
“We want to make sure we mark his finishing by giving the kid the respect he deserves.”
Humphreys is convinced Williams is in a class of his own when it comes to his abilities and achievements in both the domestic and global game.
As a double Grand Slam winner, the record try scorer in Welsh international rugby, the first Welshman to be crowned the world’s player of the year and a British & Irish Lions tourist on two occasions, Williams has done it all.
And now his former regional colleague and current coach has sung his praises ahead of what will definitely be his final game at the Liberty unless the Ospreys secure a home play-off semi-final.
“I don’t think there’s been anyone better than him – ever,” added Humphreys.
“You don’t often get a kid who has that much skill and gas and can back it up with a ton of guts.
“I remember thinking he would never make it when I saw him playing as a kid coming through – he looked too small. But he’s proved everyone wrong to be one of the best finishers in the game.
“All the superlatives have been used up for him. He’s been unbelievable.”
