Johnny Williams relishing Leinster challenge

Rob Lloyd News

Johnny Williams says the Scarlets players are determined to put things right following the huge disappointment of last weekend’s heavy loss to Munster.

Scarlets take on defending champions Leinster at the RDS in Dublin in round three of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday, looking to bounce back from the 43-13 setback at Parc y Scarlets.

“We know as players it wasn’t good enough; we know what we were bad at and what we were good at, which on the day wasn’t much if we’re honest,” said Williams.

“We had a quick, honest review on Tuesday, but then it was very much back on the horse and looking forward to Leinster.

“We know the challenge, we know what they are about. They will be close to an international backline with Sexton, Henshaw, Ringrose. As I said, it is a challenge but one we are up for.”

Williams added:  “Every side has blips, we feel as a group we are on an upward trajectory and If we perform at our best and if we turn up and are sharp on Saturday, we have the quality to turn Leinster over.”

Williams made his long-awaited return from a serious shoulder injury as a first-half replacement for Scott Williams on Sunday.

It was enough to persuade Wales head coach Wayne Pivac to select him as one of 10 Scarlets in his squad for the upcoming Autumn International Series.

“I am really excited, I wasn’t expecting it to be honest after coming off such a long injury, but I’m buzzing about it,” added the 24-year-old.

“It was a nasty injury to recover from and it has been a tough six months or so, but to play in front of fans and my family at Parc y Scarlets for the first time was amazing, it really was. That is what it is about.”