Shane Williams in action for Wales against Scotland in this year's Six Nations © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Lee Byrne | Shane Williams

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

Wales fullback Lee Byrne has called on team-mate Shane Williams to reconsider his plans to retire from international rugby after the World Cup.

The Ospreys winger, who is Wales all-time leading try scorer with 55, intends to end his career with Wales after the tournament in New Zealand in the autumn. But Byrne believes the 34-year-old still has the pace and fitness levels to continue playing at the highest level of the sport.

"I wouldn't put it past Shane to be playing another five years," Byrne told the Wales on Sunday. "I believe he could definitely go on for another two or three seasons.

"He seems to be getting faster and stronger in the gym. A lot of players look up to Shane because at his age is setting PBs all the time. He is a benchmark for us."

Although the Welsh star intends to call time on his international career, his future at club level is less clear. He has yet to agree a new deal with the Ospreys and could follow Byrne - who recently agreed to join Clerment Auvergne - to France with the Welsh winger attracting interest from a number of clubs according to reports.

Meanwhile Byrne also insists that Wales have not given up hope of winning the Six Nations. Wales are second in the table after recording successive victories over Italy and Scotland following their opening day defeat to England.

Unbeaten England remain clear favourites for the title, but Byrne is refusing to rule out a surprise challenge despite tough fixtures against Ireland and France in the next two weeks.

"Second is a nice position to be in," Byrne said. "Obviously we would prefer to be in first and it's something we could look to put right against Ireland. We are hoping other teams can do us a some favours, but two wins in a row has given us great momentum.

"Every team wants someone to beat England at the moment. They are going to take some stopping but that's out of our hands. We can only focus on Ireland and then it would leave us with all to play for in France.

"With a World Cup around the corner, momentum is important and there is a good vibe around the squad. We want to improve and become more consistent. That's the main aim in this tournament. First, or even second, would be a big positive, especially in a World Cup year."