After 86 appearances in an 11-year career at the highest level, having become the third highest try scorer of all time with 59 touchdowns, the Ospreys winger insists ‘it’s not all about me!’
The 34-year-old will be surrounded by an army of friends and family when he makes his international swansong against the Wallabies in what is a re-match of the Bronze Final at this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
“It is not Shane Williams versus Australia, it’s Wales versus Australia, and I don’t want the fact it is my final game to cloud that,” said Williams.
“We want to show we have moved on from the World Cup, and beating Australia would be nice.”
Although he will continue at regional level, Williams, who has scored a Welsh record 57, played in three World Cups and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions. Wales head coach Warren Gatland is fully aware his attacking prowess will be missed.
“He will leave a huge hole, he is our record try-scorer,” explained Gatland. “It gives us a chance to give him a send-off as a team and for the Welsh public to see him play at the Millennium Stadium for the last time.
“It will be fantastic for him to lead the team out and get the standing ovation he deserves, and for the boys to do his last game for Wales justice by playing well.”
Gatland’s Australian counterpart, Robbie Deans, is fully aware how the emotion of Williams’ farewell could spur Wales onto victory at the Millennium Stadium.
“We experienced ourselves how powerful the additional motivation of playing for a mate can be, when Sharpie (Nathan Sharpe) had his 100th test in Auckland,” Deans said.
“There was no way any of the other players wanted to let him down. I’ve no doubts that the Welsh lads will be feeling just the same this week as we did in Auckland.
“Emotion plays a powerful role in competitive sport,” he added.
“Warren (Gatland, Wales coach) will be looking for his group to push on from the World Cup,” Deans added.
“And this match provides him with a perfect opportunity to do just that as a springboard heading into the next Six Nations Championship.”
