Cardiff Blues back Rhys Williams went under a surgeon’s knife this week but the real pain came watching Warren Gatland pick 13 Ospreys players for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England.
Williams’ team-mates at the Blues, Gethin Jenkins and Tom Shanklin, were the biggest omissions from Gatland’s first 15 with Martyn Williams the only Blues player set to start at Twickenham.
But Williams, capped 44 times for his country, threw his support behind the selection with the reminder it is still a Welsh side and one he hopes he will be able to play for again once he has recovered from his latest set back.
Williams, who was part of the Magnificent Seven Blues players who helped Wales win the 2005 Gland Slam, said: “I obviously thought that Gethin Jenkins was playing well and along with Tom Shanklin will be disappointed to have missed out, but as long as the team goes well on Saturday it’s a Welsh team.”
The versatile back has just had a second operation on a torn patellar in his knee, suffered playing for the Blues against Glasgow in November last year.
Talking to the Cardiff Evening News the day after his surgery he said: “I’m happy with it and looking forward to starting the rehab. I just need to get going now really.”
Timescales are a touchy subject with any injury but Williams hopes to be back for the start of next season. “It’s too early to say in terms of targets but it will probably take another three months or so before I’m back. I need to rest up for a few days after the operation but next week I’ll be back with the physios and working hard to get back.
“My aim is to get playing again for the Blues before thinking about anything else,” said the 27-year-old who is in his testimonial year at the Arms Park.
“I can’t believe it’s nearly been ten years,” said Williams. It’s gone really quickly and doesn’t feel that long at all.”
Amongst many highlights two moments stood out clearly since he first stepped out for Cardiff in a try-scoring debut at the Arms Park in 1999. He said: “Everybody says it, but my first Welsh cap and obviously winning Wales’ first Grand Slam in 27 years. I was fortunate to be part of it.”
Asked for his thoughts on Saturday’s game Williams said: “I always dream. But I don’t want to make any predictions.”
Three other Blues players were named in Gatland’s Six Nation’s squad: Tom James, Jamie Roberts and Robin Sowden-Taylor. But they will have to join Williams watching on from the sidelines after failing to make Saturday’s 22-man squad.
Williams’ team-mates at the Blues, Gethin Jenkins and Tom Shanklin, were the biggest omissions from Gatland’s first 15 with Martyn Williams the only Blues player set to start at Twickenham.
But Williams, capped 44 times for his country, threw his support behind the selection with the reminder it is still a Welsh side and one he hopes he will be able to play for again once he has recovered from his latest set back.Williams, who was part of the Magnificent Seven Blues players who helped Wales win the 2005 Gland Slam, said: “I obviously thought that Gethin Jenkins was playing well and along with Tom Shanklin will be disappointed to have missed out, but as long as the team goes well on Saturday it’s a Welsh team.”
The versatile back has just had a second operation on a torn patellar in his knee, suffered playing for the Blues against Glasgow in November last year.
Talking to the Cardiff Evening News the day after his surgery he said: “I’m happy with it and looking forward to starting the rehab. I just need to get going now really.”
Timescales are a touchy subject with any injury but Williams hopes to be back for the start of next season. “It’s too early to say in terms of targets but it will probably take another three months or so before I’m back. I need to rest up for a few days after the operation but next week I’ll be back with the physios and working hard to get back.
“My aim is to get playing again for the Blues before thinking about anything else,” said the 27-year-old who is in his testimonial year at the Arms Park.
“I can’t believe it’s nearly been ten years,” said Williams. It’s gone really quickly and doesn’t feel that long at all.”
Amongst many highlights two moments stood out clearly since he first stepped out for Cardiff in a try-scoring debut at the Arms Park in 1999. He said: “Everybody says it, but my first Welsh cap and obviously winning Wales’ first Grand Slam in 27 years. I was fortunate to be part of it.”
Asked for his thoughts on Saturday’s game Williams said: “I always dream. But I don’t want to make any predictions.”
Three other Blues players were named in Gatland’s Six Nation’s squad: Tom James, Jamie Roberts and Robin Sowden-Taylor. But they will have to join Williams watching on from the sidelines after failing to make Saturday’s 22-man squad.
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