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This is why i love RWC time....
Williams still smiling after cup debut
(Rugby News Service) Tuesday 11 September 2007
By Lucy Corry
PARIS, 11 September - Two days after he marked his IRB Rugby World Cup debut with a try and conversion against South Africa, the Samoa outside centre Gavin Williams is still feeling pretty pleased with himself.
His team may have lost 59-7, but the 27-year-old has a goalpost-wide grin.
"It was a great experience, it was just a pity we couldn't keep it going in the second half," he said on Tuesday.
"I've played a couple of Tests now but this was definitely a step up," he said. "It was quite a bit more nervewracking than games in the past."
Rugby has been part of Williams' life from an early age, which isn't surprising considering his father Bryan is a former All Black player and Samoa coach.
"There were always rugby balls around when I was a kid but I always just played for enjoyment. But in about 1995 or 1996 when it went professional I was about 15 or 16, and that was quite a key stage for me, that was when I thought I would like to make it a career."|
That decision has paid off - Williams trained as a physiotherapist but his professional rugby career has left little time for him to use his degree.
After the world cup he's heading to French club Dax, joining fellow team-mates Kane Thompson and Kasiano Lealamanua.
While he grew up in New Zealand and played for the under-21 All Blacks, Williams is extremely proud of his Samoan heritage.
"For all the Samoans, especially the ones born in New Zealand, you look towards the All Blacks first. But those of us with dual nationalities have another chance," he said.
"It's great in this team, it's not just a great rugby team but it's very cultural as well. Growing up in New Zealand and not spending too much time in Samoa, it's wonderful to learn about my father's culture and my ancestors. I'm a proud Kiwi and a proud Samoan."
While his parents weren't at Parc des Princes on Sunday, Williams is hoping they will make it to at least two of Samoa's pool games.
"Mum and Dad are coming over for the England and USA games, but after that they're leading a New Zealand supporters tour with the All Blacks, so if we make it to the quarter-finals there might be a few tugs on the old heart-strings."