There is an old saying that goes: "One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity." And that has certainly been the case for Wales flanker Martyn Williams.

Seemingly out of favour several months ago, his chance of a starting place looked dead and buried.

And then out of the blue former skipper Colin Charvis suffered damaged ankle ligaments and his Six Nations was over.

So in came Martyn Williams, and the ginger-haired Cardiff Blue has never looked back. In fairness to Williams his form for the Blues this season has been inspirational and he never gave up hope of forcing his way into Mike Ruddock's starting XV.

Now it would seem that Williams is one of the first names on Ruddock's team-sheet and his presence this weekend is crucial to Wales' chances of lifting the Grand Slam.

His effectiveness in the loose and his ability to win scrappy ball will be key to Wales today.

If Williams can help his side turn over enough ball today and help the backs get involved then Ruddock's side will surely have the beating of Ireland today.

This year's Six Nations campaign began like a dream for Williams. England at home and he won his 50th cap for his country.

Williams was given the honour of leading the side out in front of 72,500 at the Millennium Stadium in a game to remember.

The Welsh forwards bossed their English counterparts that day with Williams in particular coping with everything Chris Jones and Andrew Hazell threw at him.

In fact, Italy a week later was a bigger test for Williams and the Welsh pack but again his side came through it with flying colours recording an impressive 38 - 8 victory. But it wasn't until Wales travelled to the Stade de France last month that Williams truly stamped his mark on this year's Six Nations championship.

His two tries against France were just reward for a man who has never let his country down. It is hard to remember a game where Williams has ever let his country down and the way he pulled Wales back from the brink of defeat in Paris speaks volumes of his character.

And you can be rest assured that in today's cauldron atmosphere where the stakes are a high and the pressure is mounting that Martyn Williams will be the coolest man on the pitch.