Williams set for Test debut

By Gareth Mills
10/6/17

Exeter Chiefs forward Harry Williams has labelled Argentina’s pack as dangerous and says England must focus collectively if they are to get the better of Los Pumas at scrum time on Saturday night (8.15pm, live on BBC 2).

The tighthead prop will make his international debut in San Juan this weekend, and admits he has been physically preparing himself for the occasion.

“They’re (Argentina) a big scrummaging team, and I think they have a very dangerous pack,” he said. “The props they have are big and strong and they take a lot of pride in it.

“They have a huge set-piece focus and have produced really good props over the years, but my approach is just focusing on what I need to do, and what we can do collectively as a pack.”

Williams secured domestic glory with the Chiefs two weeks ago, beating Wasps in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham Stadium, and explains it has been a long road from university student to international prop.

“An England call up is something I never really dreamed about,” the 25-year-old added.

“When I made the decision to try and become a professional a few years ago I never thought about international rugby, I just wanted to be a Premiership player.

“It’s been a really good year.”

England have won 60% of Tests played in Argentina against Los Pumas, and last ran out comprehensive 51-26 victors in Buenos Aires in June 2013, but with 17 uncapped players making up head coach Eddie Jones’ touring contingent this year, winning has been made a tougher challenge.

Williams reveals integration into the senior set-up has been seamless thanks to established members of the group like captain Dylan Hartley and lock Joe Launchbury.

And although five members of the outfit ply their domestic trade in Devon, Williams is happy to better acquaint himself with unfamiliar faces.

“I think it’s important to integrate with everyone in the squad,” he added. “Eddie doesn’t want any cliques in the squad, he wants it to be very uniform, everyone mingled in together and I’ve really enjoyed that.”

Williams will prop alongside Leicester’s Ellis Genge in the first Test, and unlike centre partnerships, he believes front-row combinations are less important, so long as both tight and loose-heads are big, physical and clinical.

“Gengey is a really good player, aggressive, abrasive, a really good ball carrier and a good scrummager. He’s a top loose-head.”

He added: “We need to be clinical, if there’s a tackle to be made we need to make it as phyisically as we can, whether it’s clearing out or carrying the ball, doing it as clinically and aggressively as we can.”