Williams relishing Habana battle

SOUTH AFRICA v WALES
First Test venue: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein Date: Saturday, 7 June Kick-off: 1400 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru

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Shane Williams admits winning his duel with Springbok winger Bryan Habana is his main personal ambition on Wales' two-Test tour to South Africa.

Williams will relish a battle with Habana as the two red-hot wingers prepare to go toe-to-toe.

He said: "Apart from winning two tests, getting the better of Habana is what I've come here to do.

"It's the kind of personal battle I thrive on as there's no better feeling than beating the world's best player."

TALE OF THE TAPE SHANE WILLIAMS Age: 31 Club: Ospreys Wales record: 56 caps (41 tries) Height: 5ft 7ins Weight: 12st 13lb BRYAN HABANA Age: 24 Club: Bulls South Africa record: 36 caps (30 tries) Height: 5ft 11ins Weight: 14st 8lb

The Six Nations player of the Tournament versus world rugby's player of the year is a fascinating sub-plot as the World Champions host the Six Nations winners this summer.

Williams said: "Brian Habana is one of the great wingers and to be compared to him is very humbling.

"But it also makes you realise where you are as a player and how well you're doing.

"I'm not going to focus on Bryan Habana's game until I get out onto the field, I must ensure I'm playing well because I hope to give him the run around.

"But once South Africa have possession, I won't dare take my eyes off him - it's going to be an intriguing battle.

"Bryan is not just a great player on the field but a true gentleman off it and there's plenty of mutual respect between us."

Williams' six tries inspired Wales to their second Grand Slam in four seasons

But Wales coach Warren Gatland's under-strength Northern Hemisphere champions are without Grand Slam heroes Martyn Williams, Mike Phillips, Dwayne Peel, Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Alix Popham and Huw Bennett this summer.

And Ospreys star Williams warned: "Our toughest rugby test is still to come.

"South Africa is such a beautiful part of the world and with so much to see and do, it's unfortunate we have to play rugby!

"It will be particularly tricky as we've lost key players in key positions but this is a chance for the younger guys and squad members to show they are worthy of featuring more regularly."

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Wales squad for their summer tour South Africa:
Backs: Morgan Stoddart, Andrew Bishop, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Tom James, Mark Jones, Sonny Parker, Tom Shanklin, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Warren Fury, Gareth Cooper.
Forwards: Ryan Jones (Captain), Dafydd Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Gareth Delve, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, Duncan Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees.