Welsh flanker Martyn Williams is ready for a summer of hard work as he pursues a possible dream double.
World Cup dream still alive for 98-cap flanker
Veteran Welsh flanker Martyn Williams is ready for a summer of hard work as he pursues a possible dream double - playing in his fourth World Cup and collecting 100 caps.
The 35-year-old, out in the international wilderness since being overlooked for Wales' recent Six Nations campaign, has secured a place in national coach Warren Gatland's 45 man World Cup training squad.
Williams took the opportunity to impress Gatland at close quarters when he helped the Barbarians beat Wales 31-28 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
But the 98-cap star realises the hard work begins now if he is to make the final cut of players who will travel to New Zealand.
Wales have two training camps and three warm up Tests before Gatland culls 15 players ahead of Spetember's tournament.
Slate
The highly-experienced Williams, who played in the 1999, 2003 and 2007 campaigns before recently losing his openside place to Sam Warbuton, said: "There is a long summer of training ahead and three pre-World Cup games, so I suppose the slate is clean for everyone.
"I am not going to lie - it was a blow missing out on the Six Nations squad because I played well in the autumn (Tests) when I was given an opportunity.
"It's one of those things. You have to take it on the chin and move on. It was more frustrating than disappointing.
"In all likelihood they will probably only take one openside to the World Cup.
"There are so many boys who can play at six and seven, so we will have to wait to see what happens."
As well as boosting his World Cup hopes, Williams wants to use his chance to become only the third Welshman alongside Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones to reach a century of caps.
Happy
He said: "To get 100 caps would be the ultimate for me. But if I don't, I don't - I would have taken one cap.
"I've had a great career and if I manage to get two more caps then happy days.
"Warren doesn't want to dish out the caps, he wants me to earn them, and I totally agree with him.
"When you are 35 and you have played the amount of rugby I have, you are not going to be as sharp as what you used to be.
"But I've been happy all season - my form has been pretty good."
