Martyn Williams believes Wales will flourish under the new breakdown interpretations © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Martyn Williams

Teams: Wales

Martyn Williams believes that new refereeing interpretations at the breakdown will help Wales cast off the shackles this November.

The veteran Blues openside has been impressed by the attacking intent shown in this season's Tri-Nations and hopes that Wales' traditional running game will once again flourish thanks to referees' determination to look after the attacking side in the tackle area.

Wales face Australia, South Africa and runaway Tri-Nations champions New Zealand this November, with Williams out to reclaim his Test place after sitting out their summer tour fixtures against the All Blacks.

"I think the changes will suit Wales," he told The Western Mail. "Running and counter-attacking is how we like to play the game, it's where our strengths are because we have never been a nation that has produced giant physical specimens.

"We've always had to rely on a more subtle approach based around skill and pace and we've shown how dangerous we can be doing that in the past. I think the sort of thing we have seen in the Tri-Nations in the last couple of months is right up the street of some of the runners we have got - the likes of Shane Williams, James Hook, Leigh Halfpenny and Lee Byrne - and it's a case of adapting to the rules quickly.

"We did particularly well out in New Zealand and the tour added to the strength of our squad. It will prove to be invaluable experience in the bank for some of our younger players, I'm sure of that."

While he believes that the future is bright for Wales, Williams fears for his place in the side after sitting out their June Tests. His Blues team-mate, Sam Warburton, started their final Six Nations game in March while Dragons veteran Gavin Thomas and Scarlets youngster Rob McCusker shared the openside berth in New Zealand.

"You can't live on past reputations," he said. "I wasn't picked against Italy for the final game of last season's Six Nations and I didn't go on the summer tour of New Zealand. So you could say I am third or fourth choice No.7 at this moment.

"Gavin and Sam have played more recently for Wales than I have and Rob can play seven as well. Nobody should be guaranteed a place. You have got to earn it. It's the same every year. I always look at it that way."