Shane Williams believes that the gap between the northern and southern hemispheres is narrowing © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Shane Williams

Teams: Wales

Wales winger Shane Williams believes that the margins are narrowing between the northern and southern hemispheres. IRB World Player of the Year Williams, who crossed for a try in Wales' 21-18 win over Australia last month, believes that while the southern hemisphere leads the way, the gap is not as big as some might choose to think.

"I don't think we're a million miles away," he said. "We're narrowing the gap every year. The Tri-Nations sides are the best sides in the world without doubt, but we are progressing. The northern hemisphere is narrowing the gap.

"Whereas in the past New Zealand would come over on tour and thump all the teams, this year teams are proving we can compete with the best in the world. We felt we were good enough to beat South Africa, played a very good 40 minutes against New Zealand but lost in the second half and then we beat Australia. Saying that, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are the best three sides in the world at the moment, without question."

Wales were the only side to register a win over a Tri Nations side, while Ireland saw off Argentina, but Williams is coy about whether Wales are currently the northern hemisphere's benchmark. "We will find out in the Six Nations!" the Ospreys player said on BBC Radio Five Live. "I think we're playing the best rugby at the moment. These autumn internationals, as important as they are, it all counts in the Six Nations. We'll see. We're progressing. I don't want to jinx the side but we are capable of big things I think."

Williams and Wales will be eyeing another Six Nations title next year with many other sides in transition, including Martin Johnson's faltering England. "England are a very good national side but struggling at the moment," he said. "Teams have their ups and downs. They have played quite poorly to their standards in the last few games. It makes for an interesting Six Nations."

With the IRB award now under his belt and BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year also secured last week, it is easy to forget the troubles that plagued Williams during the early years of his career. "It feels like age ago now," said Williams. "I felt I'd lost a bit of form due to recurring hamstring injuries. You're talking 16 months of playing, tearing a hamstring, coming back... it was daunting. It got to the point where I got really frustrated with myself. I did question myself. In the end I told myself I had to grow up - there are players out there with far worse injuries and gave myself a kick up the backside. It was a turning point in my career.

"Even though you're a rugby player you get to dark places sometimes but you've got to get out of that."

At 32, Williams knows that the next few seasons may be his last, but is admamant that he will know when the time is right to walk away. "I know when I have to do that - when I'm not enjoying playing international rugby," he said. "The only reason I won't be enjoying my rugby is because I'm not good enough. I'm one of these players, if I'm not good enough I'll stick my hand up and say that. If I feel there's a better player out there in my position I'll step aside gladly and let that guy through. It's only fair. I've got a bit left in me. Let's see how the next couple of seasons go."

And one ambition very much still on Williams' radar is being part of a triumphant British & Irish Lions squad next summer in South Africa. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about that slightly," he admitted. "In the meantime there's a lot of rugby to be played. Anything can happen in this game - loss of form, injury. I would love to go on this tour - it certainly would be my last.

"With the calibre of players going, they are capable of winning in South Africa. I'd love to be a part of that. It's all about form, staying injury free and being fit for the next six or seven months."