The centre once again features for Wales from the off against Australia this Saturday after beginning the Dove Men Series clashes with South Africa and Argentina earlier this month.
He missed last Friday night’s win over Tonga after sustaining a ligament injury to his big toe but starts alongside his namesake Owen Williams against the Wallabies this weekend.
With Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies out injured, Williams has become a key man for Wales this autumn with the Llanelli Scarlet and the rest of the Welsh squad targeting a first win over the Wallabies since 2008.
“I realised this was a chance for me,” said Williams.
“With the injuries it’s a bit unlucky for some but it’s part and parcel of rugby. It is much better for me to start the game than being on the bench.
“I have given 100 per cent with the chances I have had and tried to show what I can do.
“I was a bit disappointed with the game against South Africa but happy to have a good win against Argentina.
“You just have to take the opportunities to try prove you should start in the next game.
“Every time I get on the field I am just trying to show what I can do but the rest is up to the coaches.”
At just 23, Williams is still a relative youngster, his most famous moment in a Welsh jersey his try at Twickenham in 2012 which secured Wales the Triple Crown. This season though, he has stepped up a level and has been named defensive captain by coach Shaun Edwards.
“I managed to get in a full pre-season which I’ve not managed in the last couple of years,” said Williams.
“It was good to get my fitness back to its best and that has played a part in things.
“I have enjoyed the extra responsibility which makes things a bit of a challenge. If we let a try in, I kind of think it’s my fault – I have matured as a player this season.
“Normally I am a little bit quiet, I am not someone like Dan Biggar who talks too much!
“But I have worked on this side of my game and I’m a lot more comfortable with the way I express myself and put forward my opinions on things.”
Williams’ recovery from his toe problem has been remarkable, especially given that his foot was in a protective boot till last Thursday.
“I wanted to try and make myself fit for Tonga but it soon emerged after the game there was no chance,” he added.
“My aim was to then try and run by this Monday and that was all fine.”
Wales have plenty of recent history with Australia, Warren Gatland’s side taking on the Wallabies a number of times over the last two years. Kurtley Beale broke Welsh hearts with a late try last autumn and Williams knows how big a threat they pose.
“We seem to be saying the same thing every year,” he said.
“We have come close on so many occasions against Australia and we all know what happened last year in Cardiff.
“They might have changed a bit but they are still a world-class team with world-class players. It’s going to be a huge challenge again.”
