Williams eager to accelerate past England into driving seat

Away from the demands of professional rugby, Williams has a motorsport business building fabricated rally cars.

His brother-in-law, Barry Jones, is a rally driver and it is another sport that Williams might move into once his rugby career is over.

“I try and switch off by going down there, something I enjoy on my days off, making sure the boys are working hard,” he said.

“We build fabricated rally cars. It is something I have been interested in since I was a kid.

“When I got injured in the (2015) World Cup (against England), I had a bit of time on my hands, so I had an opportunity to start something up.

“I try to be involved as much as I can, but over the next couple of weeks I will not be able to be down there as much.

“It is something I have always been interested in, rallying and rally-cross – anything with four wheels. We specialise in Escort Mark Is and IIs.”

Williams’ breakaway try against England at Twickenham five years ago helped underpin a Grand Slam season, and the in-form Scarlets player is currently part of the starting midfield alongside Jonathan Davies, with 87 times-capped Jamie Roberts again on bench duty.

“I get reminded about that try all the time,” he added. “I hope I can create some more memories this weekend.

“It is starting to wear off a little bit. I get stopped in the street now and again, but the highlight was the whole Grand Slam that year. That (try) was just a little contribution.

“I have been unlucky to have two world-class centres in front of me for the last couple of years.

“I hope I have brought out the best in them and kept them on their toes, and they will do the same for me. Jamie will be the first one to congratulate me on starting and that means a lot.

“I want to be starting and I am happy to have another opportunity again this weekend.

“There is a difference being on the bench and starting, a bit more responsibility and stuff. I am trying to take it in my stride and make the most of every opportunity I get. You never know when it is your last.”

Alex Cuthbert - England’s two-try nemesis when Wales crushed their Grand Slam hopes four years ago – is on red alert to start in Cardiff.

Wales are giving wing George North, a scorer of 28 tries in 66 Tests, the maximum possible time to recover from a leg injury.

He was involved in the Wales captain’s run session yesterday, but it is understood that his fitness fight could ultimately be a losing one.

Cuthbert, who has won 44 caps but not started a Six Nations game since Wales lost to England at Twickenham last season, also took part in the Principality 
Stadium run-out, as did uncapped Scarlets speedster Steff Evans.

Wales do not need to release their confirmed starting line-up until Saturday afternoon, and assistant coach Robin McBryde added: “Rob (Wales’ interim head coach Rob Howley) will make the final call on that.

“Obviously, we have got contingency plans in place.”