Williams on the cusp of a dream

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams recalls that historic day four years ago when Lukhanyo Am threw the most audacious of passes to Makazole Mapimpi to score and set Yokohama stadium on fire.

Williams, a junior at the Cell C Sharks, was at his club - College Rovers - along with Jaden Hendrikse, and both sat there at the bar watching, cheering and longing to be in a World Cup in the future.

Williams will start for the Springboks on Saturday against Argentina and, barring injury, is within touching distance of his dream as both he and Hendrikse look to cement their places in the side.

Hendrikse may not have played this season yet, but his form last season in the Springbok jersey unseated Faf de Klerk from the test role and he is likely to be part of the World Cup squad as well.

Now Williams has been thrust into the limelight and his speed off the bench has been a major asset for the Boks in their two tests this season, catching the eye of not only the selectors, but the coaching staff as well.

And on a fast pitch Williams has a chance to shine - and if you ask him, he is more than ready for the occasion.

PERSEVERANCE

“It's an awesome opportunity, I had to wait my turn and finally I can go out there on Saturday and nail my role and hopefully help the team get the result - that’s the most important thing,” he said at the team announcement.

"Finally I can say that I am ready to play international rugby. It takes a lot to fight through everything and get here, but I am thankful for the opportunity and the management to back me to start this weekend and for the games against Australia and New Zealand.”

Williams has kicked the door down literally, and made his claim on the opportunities given, especially as the Boks have five scrumhalf candidates that they have to condense into three.

"I had to wait my turn, and hopefully on Saturday I can nail my role and help the team get a result. That is the most important thing."

"Perseverance is probably the biggest thing that is instilled in me. And it got me to this point. I am extremely grateful. For the first time, I am healthy. I've had a lot of niggles, Manie (Libbok) can explain that because he was also at the Sharks. And I struggled a lot with small injuries. This is the first time I am playing a season without any injuries and that is a blessing for me."

On Saturday Williams gets his chance to shine, and if his energy is anything to go by, it will be another chance to take another step towards his dream.

And the reality that he and Jaden won’t be watching this World Cup from a club rugby bar again.