British and Irish Lions set for Williams, Wade duo

SHANE Williams has described England speedster Christian Wade as “my kind of guy” ahead of them forming an unlikely strike partnership for the British and Irish Lions today.

Only three days ago, Williams, 36, was in Japan playing for club side Mitsubishi Dynaboars, while Wade had an England Test match on his mind against ­Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Yesterday they trained with the Lions ahead of game against the Brumbies, when they will be joined by fellow three-quarters and new arrivals Brad Barritt and Billy Twelvetrees.

Former Wales star Williams, who is 14 years older than Wade, scored a Welsh record 58 tries in 87 Tests before bringing the curtain down on a spectacular international career 18 months ago.

Wade, similar in size to Williams and also with pace to burn, has played just once for England, but his 32 tries from only 50 Wasps appearances suggests he is destined for greatness – even a Lions Test place Down Under.

“I have paid close attention to Christian and I’ve spoken to Stephen Jones (former Wales and Wasps fly-half) about him,” Williams said.

“He is a very talented player, new on the scene, but already raising eyebrows. He is obviously a massive talent, and I enjoy the way he plays. He is a very aggressive runner, obviously very fast, and enjoys taking defenders on.

“He is my kind of guy, and I am looking forward to ­playing with him. He is more than ­capable of showing what he has got tomorrow and being part of this Test series.”

Wade, 22, revealed that Williams had always rated among his rugby heroes, adding: “It is a massive thrill to play with Shane.

“I have watched him from a distance and tried to learn from him, and to be able to play alongside him is beyond my dreams. I didn’t get the chance to play against him.”

The Lions, especially given the new-look nature and limited preparation time of their three- quarter unit, have it all to do at Canberra Stadium as they seek a sixth successive tour victory.

When the teams last met 12 years ago, a late Austin Healey try and Matt Dawson conversion gave the Lions an unlikely 30-28 triumph after mostly trailing.

“We are professional rugby players,” Williams said. “We’ve played alongside the majority of these players before. We have to do our homework tonight to make sure we are mentally prepared for this game. We want to give 100 per cent and we don’t want to let ourselves down. We are fully prepared to give it our all and play the way we play.”