BRIDGEND hooker Gareth Williams (pictured) was a Wales also ran less than a month ago, but now he is eyeing up a World Cup place.

He makes his first full international appearance against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday knowing that a first class performance could book a trip to Australia.

Injuries to Robin McBryde and Barrie Williams earned the 24-year-old two caps as a replacement in the defeats by Italy and England.

Now he starts the game against Scotland and is determined to show he is good enough to stay.

"I've been given this big opportunity now and I've got to go out there and grasp it. I can't wait," said Williams.

"The World Cup's coming up and I'd love to be involved in that.

"I've just got to go out there and do the job on Saturday and maintain a high level for the rest of the campaign."

Williams is well aware that almost every Welsh hooker of the recent past has been criticised for poor throwing-in at the lineout and is confident he will not fail in this vital area.

"It has been a bit of a nightmare for Wales," he said.

"There have been a lot of hookers who have a bit of stick for their throwing-in.

"It seems the hookers always get the blame when the lineout doesn't function, but it's not always their fault and I wish people would realise that.

"I've always played at hooker, so throwing-in has always been normal for me and at the end of the day it's up to me to get it right.

"Normally it goes well for me at club level. It's something I work hard on. So hopefully it'll go well on Saturday."

Williams says Saturday's encounter is a must-win game for Wales, but no more so than any other match.

"You take one game at a time and whether it's Wales v Scotland or the games against Ireland and France to follow, they are all must-win games

"Scotland have been renowned for their forward play through the years and we're expecting a very tough game up front.

"But we've worked hard during the last couple of weeks, the feeling among the boys is great and we're looking forward to the challenge.

"I'll probably be as nervous as hell before the kick-off, but I'm looking forward to it.

"Just being involved with Wales has been like a dream and to be actually starting a game now is something else.

"Going on as a replacement is much different to starting a match. You are trying to catch up with everyone and it's not easy.

"I've enjoyed the two occasions I've been on and I have found it a lot faster than club rugby."

He concluded: "Scotland are in the same position as ourselves and we're expecting a backlash from them and they are probably expecting a backlash from us.

"I thought we showed great character after the Italy performance to play so well against England and we have to step up and win now."