Williams on his Cup ambitions
January 20 2010
Cardiff Blues, Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Martyn Williams is hurting at the thought of not qualifying for the Heineken Cup play-offs.
The Blues are still in with a chance but it will have to be all out success this weekend against Harlequins if they are to proceed to the last eight for the third consecutive season.
"That remains a huge ambition of mine - especially as we got so close last year and it means everything to us," Williams told ercrugby.
"And while we pride ourselves on what we have done over the last few years, against Sale it was a must win game and we are still in with the chance of staying in the tournament.
"We always knew we had to win our last two group games so nothing much has changed. We know we have to win at Harlequins - we have done the first bit and now we have to carry that on in London on Saturday.
"We wanted to set ourselves up with something to aim for over the last weekend and in that respect we have done what we had to do.
"However, we know that Harlequins are pretty good at home so for us it is a case of building on this win and being more consistent.
"Harlequins are still very good side with a solid spine and in players like Nick Easter, Nick Evans and Ugo Monye they have world class players so it is going to be very difficult up there as they will have home advantage."
Whilst Harlequins is out of the running the Blues are also still a Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final contender.
"Whether it is to get through to the Amlin Challenge Cup or staying in with a shout for the Heineken Cup quarters nothing has changed," said Williams.
"Our tight five were unbelievable against Sale and all in all it was quite pleasing - I guess we would have taken that score before the game.
"We perhaps should have kicked on but they defended and scrambled well and now we need to go away next week and put in the same kind of performance.
"When we have had all our boys available we have done well and been a difficult side to beat but when we have a couple of guys missing it hasn't been the same.
"Thankfully everyone is fit and raring to go for what is a huge game for us."