Tomos Williams is motivated by the challenges ahead, as the Cardiff Blues star prepares to take on Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday.
Having impressed in Wales’ opening day win over Italy last week, the Cardiff Blues academy product has kept hold of the number nine jersey as Wayne Pivac’s side look to make it two from two in the Championship.
The scrum half will come up against an experienced opponent in Conor Murray at Aviva Stadium, but live wire Williams
“He’s very experienced and he’s known for his game management and his kicking,” said Williams.
“We’ve just got to try and put as much pressure on as we can.
“It was a good start for us against Italy. We couldn’t have got much more in terms of points and nilling them. Hopefully we can build on that now.
“With the weather and the opposition, it’s going to be quite a different game, probably not as open or expansive.
“But I think when we can, we’ve got to try and push it.
“We know we are going to have a lot of support out there. Whenever Wales play away, there is always a lot of red shirts in the crowd.
“They are very passionate and it’s always good when you are on the pitch to see that and have good support.”
The 25-year-old has experienced rivals competing for the number nine jersey in Gareth Davies and Rhys Webb, and the scrum half is driven by the fight for a starting spot.
“Obviously Gareth and Rhys are both very good players,” added the Cardiff Blues product.
“They have proven that. It’s good to keep competition up and I am enjoying it.
“You hear a lot about game management with half-backs, but when you are younger, you are trying to play, play, play.
“It takes time with every nine just to realise it’s not on every single time. It’s about picking your moment and having that level of calmness, so you are not like 100 miles per hour all the time.
“I think when you are on the bench as a nine, you see how the game goes from a different perspective. Before you go on, you know how you need to play.
“If you are losing, you can go on and bring speed, up the tempo and change the game.
“I think it’s quite a lot different from when you are starting.
“Reading the game when you are starting is a bit different.
“I obviously prefer starting. I think everyone does.”