Williams caused the Springboks problems on his last visit with Wales in 2008 © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Features: Lions ready to roar - and smile

Features: Halfpenny still in shock at Lions call-up

News: Koch to lead Royal XV against Lions

News: Hastings points to Leinster as Lions' guide

News: Quinlan ruled out of Lions tour

News: Cotton issues warning to Lions

News: Du Plessis has faith in Springboks' strength

News: Shanklin ruled out of Lions tour

Players/Officials: Shane Williams

Tournaments/Tours: British and Irish Lions tour

Teams: Wales

Wales wing wizard Shane Williams is determined to make an impact in the famous British & Irish Lions colours against South Africa this summer.

Williams will join the majority of his squad team mates on Monday - minus those on Heineken Cup duty with Leicester and Leinster - at the Lions' Surrey base to continue preparations for their 10-match tour that begins on May 30 against a Royal XV in Rustenberg.

The 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year, possesses match-winning qualities the Lions will require in abundance against their world champion hosts but he has failed to hit those heights so far this season. But the Springboks will not need reminding that form is temporary but class is permanent.

A Wales record 46 tries in 65 Tests screams Williams' ability from the roof-tops, and his sense of anticipation is almost tangible.

"The expectation has been building for a long time," he said. "I can't wait for the tour to begin now. I am just glad it is actually here. We've been talking about it for more than 12 months, and now we are about to meet up and get down to the hard work.

"There is very little time before our first game, but we are all professional rugby players and the majority of the boys have played alongside each other before. It only takes a week to get all the calls and patterns together, and then it is up to you individually to organise yourself for games and training sessions.

"We are big lads, we know we have got to work hard in the short space of time we've got in order to achieve something out of this tour. It's difficult, but that is what these Lions tours are about."

Williams' final preparations have included specifically-designed training to simulate the effects of altitude awaiting the Lions in South Africa, and one of his favourite off-pitch pastimes - boxing.

"We have been doing some altitude-type training, really burning the lungs and training as hard as possible before going out there," Williams told PA Sport. "When you first get into high altitude you find you lose your breath far quicker, and you do struggle with the conditions at first - that's why you train and prepare for it. You don't really feel the effects until you play your first game. It is demanding, but you get into it quite quickly.

"And the boxing has always been something I've brought into my training. I used to box quite a lot when I was younger - I had a couple of fights and did a fair bit of sparring. It really fits in with my training."

Williams, 32, perhaps failed to pack the punch he would have liked on tour with the 2005 Lions in New Zealand. He started the second Test in Wellington and scored a Lions record-equalling five tries against Manawatu, yet it was a trip that never took off for many individuals, and certainly not collectively.

"I would like to think I am a little more experienced now, and I can go on this tour and be very successful, both team-wise and personally," he added. "I think the grounds suit me in South Africa. It will be my last Lions tour, and I would like to go out with a bang and be part of something really special.

"They are a very physical side - from numbers one to 15, and then the bench, they are big lads - which has always been the case. But what you find with South Africa is they are very structurally-sound - a very good lineout and scrum - which means they don't lose much ball and they win quite a lot of the opposition's.

"They've got a lot of pace behind the scrum - and in the scrum, for that matter. They have one of the most aggressive defences in the game, and some of the deadliest finishers. It's quite a daunting prospect to go out there and play against them."

Williams' magnificent try-scoring record means he has become a marked man. Close attention from opposition defences is something he is accustomed to - and the Springboks are unlikely to be any different, should he land a coveted Test place.

"Gone are the days now, when I think I can take on the world every time I get the ball. That's not going to be the case," Williams added. "Sometimes in games I am marked by two players. That's fine, it just means I have got to tweak my game slightly to create speace for others, which is what I am trying to do.

"Rugby is not just a physical game. Believe it or not, rugby players do have to think on their feet as well! I've had a few niggling injuies that I've had to adjust to, but I would like to think I have come into some good form and I am creating some space for others, as well as myself.

"I am excited about this tour, which is a good sign for me. If you are enjoying yourself, then you play good rugby."

The Lions depart for South Africa on May 24 for their eagerly-anticipated tour that will culminate with a three-Test series against the Springboks.