Wales’ record try scorer is up for the prestigious award in London this Sunday, along with skipper Ryan Jones.Â
And he intends to leave the judges in no doubt by inspiring Wales to a first win over New Zealand for 55 years this Saturday.Â
Williams, 31, said: “I’m humbled just to be on the short-list for the award, but I have to put it to the back of my mind this week.Â
“It’s a massive game for the country and the players as individuals against the form side in the world.Â
“The nomination was based on last season, now I need to show the same form this season against the best players in the business.”Â
It was eight years ago that the baby-faced Williams burst on the scene for his first Wales cap. Now he is the mentor to a new kid on the block, 19-year-old wing sensation Leigh Halfpenny with two tries in his first two caps.Â
Williams said: “I was older than Leigh when I started, but I know just how intimidating it is when you start and how you question your right to be there.Â
“But I told Leigh to keep playing with the same confidence he has at regional level. The venue and occasion is bigger with Wales – but it’s essentially the same game.Â
“He has bags of ability and could have a long future with Wales if he keeps working hard.”Â
Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), Tom Shanklin (Blues), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester); Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Martyn Williams (Blues), Andy Powell (Blues).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, John Yapp, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook/Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Joe Rokocoko, Richard Kahui, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata/John Afoa, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So’oialo.
Replacements: Hikawera Elliot, TBC, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.
