Williams v Bowe: expect a classic, says Gatland

By lsullivan

SHANE Williams has been challenged to set the record straight when he goes head to head with his Ospreys pal Tommy Bowe in Dublin on Saturday.

A year ago in Cardiff, when Ireland claimed their first Grand Slam in 61 years, Bowe won the wing battle hands down by setting up a try and scoring another after racing clear with Williams in hot pursuit.

Now, Williams gets the chance to settle the score with Wales coach Warren Gatland in no doubt the in-form Welsh record-breaker will have a point to prove.

Asked about Bowe's try double against England last time out, he replied: ''He scored two tries against England, but if you look at 12 months ago, Tommy probably got the better of Shane. He played really well and gave him a hard time.

''I think Shane will be pretty motivated not to let Tommy get the better of him again.''

The match-up between the two Ospreys is a clash within a clash in the Irish capital, a duel between two players who have been in peak form in recent weeks.

If Bowe stole the limelight in Ireland's game at Twickenham, Williams has underlined his status as an all-time great with superlative displays against Scotland and France, en route breaking Gareth Edwards's try record in the championship and notching his 50th touchdown for Wales.

Gatland believes that at 33 the ex-Neath man is rolling back the years to hit the kind of form he produced in 2008.

And Wales's coach pinpointed the lack of distractions and expectations on Williams as being the key to why he is back to his best.

''It was a tough time for Shane after he won the IRB world player award,'' said Gatland.

''He had a testimonial season, he wrote a book — there were a number of time constraints away from the game that can put a player under a lot of pressure.

''But he isn't hampered by those world-player expectations and outside influences now and can just concentrate on his rugby. Playing the game is what he does best and he has hit some great form.

''In his first couple of games back from injury, he wasn't quite sharp enough, but he looks hungry now.

''I'm not criticising him for last season. He's been a great servant for Welsh rugby. He's 33 and deserved the testimonial, the award from the IRB and to be able to release a book.

''I can't deny a player of that age and experience, after what he has given to the game, the chance to cash in.

''But he hasn't got those distractions any more and you can see it in the way he is training and playing. He looks like he's really enjoying himself.''

Gatland is also a huge fan of Bowe, a player he coached with the Lions last summer.

''He is up there with the best wings in the world,'' added the New Zealander.

''His timing is fantastic, he has a great work-rate, defensively he is very strong, he's good in the air and when there's the chance to finish he normally takes it.

''You are going to see a fantastic match-up between two world-class wingers.''

MARK ORDERS