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Search forOne box to tick for Osprey Shane
Friday, October 10, 2008, 08:00
The brilliant left wing — favourite to be named the International Rugby Board's player of the year — has amassed a sackful of baubles with both Wales and his region.
He has won two Grand Slams with Wales and last term was
voted player of the Six Nations. He also lifted the EDF Energy Cup with the Ospreys, having claimed the Magners League twice with them since 2005.
But the Heineken Cup is one box the 31-year-old has still to tick.
''I would love to be in a side that won it,'' said Williams ahead of the Pool 3 clash with Leicester at Welford Road.
''It is one that's missing and it would be nice to see it on my CV.
''But it's about more than me. It's about the team, the coaches, the supporters, the directors — everyone connected with the region.
''We know it is a big ask.
''It's the biggest tournament you are going to play in as a region and it's the toughest rugby. So in order to win the Heineken Cup you have to be the side that's on form that year.
''You can't have off days. We know from bitter experience that one off day can cost you everything.''
The Ospreys defeated Leicester in the EDF Energy Cup final last year, but the Tigers downed them in the showpiece in 2007 and doubled them in Europe three seasons ago.
But Williams believes the pressure will be on the English club on Sunday.
''It is a difficult match — but what better place to go and test ourselves in Europe,'' said the former Neath star.
''It's a game away from home, so it will mean Leicester are under more pressure than us because you have to win your home games in this competition.
''If you lose your home matches, you are out of the tournament.
''There's a lot of expectation on both sides, but Leicester will probably be feeling it a bit more.
''We just need to go up there and play, not panic and do ourselves justice.''
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