Williams: Wales stronger than ever

Shane Williams believes Wales' mental and physical strength is better than at any other time during his stellar 11-year international career.

A week after pushing South Africa to the brink of defeat, Wales dug deep for a priceless 17-10 Pool D victory over Samoa that kept them in World Cup contention and set up a possible quarter-final clash against Ireland.

"The mental and physical strength of this Wales squad is better than any I have been involved with previously," said Williams. "It was very frustrating at times against Samoa, but we won the game. Perhaps that is the sign of a good team."

Williams once again turned up in the right place at the right time to sniff out a try that gave Wales a scent of victory.

And it underlined how vital a player he remains to Wales coach Warren Gatland, even though the 34-year-old has indicated several times that this season will mark his Test rugby retirement.

"Time does catch up with you," he added. "As somebody pointed out to me, I am the oldest on tour.

"At the moment, I'm still keeping up with the youngsters and enjoying it, although (team-mate) George North is making me feel old."

Wales will now hope that injured pair James Hook and Dan Lydiate can make quick recoveries from injuries that forced them off against Samoa.