ANDY Williams will look to Rob Howley for inspiration in Ireland next week with the Wales training squad as one of five players who did not feature in the Grand Slam winning line-up, writes Robin Davey.
The Newport Gwent Dragons scrum half played as a youngster against Howley, who was then in his prime and is now the Wales backs coach, believing he can still learn from him.
Williams' aim is to make the Wales tour party for South Africa at the end of the month, especially with Mike Phillips ruled out after a knee operation and Dwayne Peele a doubt with a shoulder problems.
And if he does he will be set for a double celebration for two weeks after the second Test against the world champions he gets married.
"It's up to me to go to the training camp with the attitude of making a difference on the field and I can draw off Rob's experience and go from there," he said.
"I played against him as a young kid when he was up there on a pedestal, a double British Lion and a European Cup winner. I remember thinking I'm playing against Rob Howley here, it can't get much better.' "He was the ultimate competitor and a great opponent. I've learnt a lot since then and now Rob has added a Grand Slam to his coaching record.
"It will be a good learning curve for me as I'm still only 27 though when I joined the Dragons Ashley Smith thought I was 32!
"It's up to me to impress now. Going to the training camp will make me feel closer to the tour, so it's up to me to get on it.
"Wales were the best team in the Northern Hemisphere in the Six Nations and played the best rugby. They showed maturity, playing for 60 minutes, waiting for the opposition to crack then blowing them away.
"Watching against France I always felt Wales had another gear, that ability to raise their game again. Every game they got better and better."
A year into his contract with the Dragons he admits, "It's been a learning curve and it's been hard because of all the breaks with no game for four weeks and trying to manage yourself.
"You never blame your tools, we're a close group with some great youngsters, but we do take responsibility and we want to win our last three games."
Meanwhile, there is a chance veteran back row forward Colin Charvis will remain with the Dragons, though 35 and out of contract this month.
"Let the season finish then he'll make a decision," said coach Paul Turner. "But it's been interesting talking to him and his views are coming out a bit more.
"He has come back strongly, though he's given us no indication. I don't think he'll play for another team, but there's a lot more we can offer him with off the field roles so maybe we can sit down and talk again."
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