While the winger accepts there will be an inevitable kicking duel this weekend, he hopes Wales can also unleash their renowned running game.

Williams lit up last season’s tournament, scoring six tries as he broke Gareth Thomas’ Welsh record of 40 Test match touchdowns during the Grand Slam-clinching victory over France.

“I think we kicked it 49 times (in Rome),” said Williams. “We all know Wales are a better side when they’ve got ball in hand and they are attacking defences. But you learn these things from games.

“There has got to be a balance. You have to kick to control territory and regain possession, but at the same time you can chuck it about a bit and hopefully we can test a very good Irish defence.

“I was getting quite frustrated chasing kicks and not getting involved as much as I would have liked to, but that’s the way games go. Hopefully, we’ve learnt a big lesson.

“There will still be a kicking duel on Saturday - Ronan O’Gara probably kicks the ball more than anyone, and he’s very clever at it - but we need to get the balance right and start moving the Irish back-line around a little bit.”

Williams went on to become International Rugby Board player of the year, BBC Wales sports personality of the year and the Rugby Writers’ Club Pat Marshall Award winner. This year, though, it has proved a different story.

Two tries in three games, an ankle injury that meant he missed Wales’ win against England, followed by his role in Rome last weekend - that of spectator.

If Wales click, Ireland’s prolonged Grand Slam wait could stretch into its 62nd year, with the title also eluding them.

Williams added: “What better time to play out of your skins against an Irish side that is coming to win the Grand Slam - and take the Grand Slam from us?

“It’s almost a little bit personal. This would be the perfect time to perform like we know we can.

“There is a lot more to come, which is quite exciting as far as we are concerned.”

Among the many intriguing individual contests that will unfold on Saturday evening, Williams’ tussle with opposite number Tommy Bowe could be worth the admission price alone.

The current Ospreys team-mates might well be British & Irish Lions colleagues in South Africa later this year, and Williams is an admirer of the Irishman’s ability.

“To be fair to Tommy, he is one of the best signings the Ospreys have made,” Williams said. “He’s a great all-rounder, a very good footballer - and he’s also about two foot taller than me!

“He is very good in defence and he scores tries for fun. It’s certainly going to be a battle out there.”

Bowe knows he cannot afford Williams any space in which to weave his magic - but close attention is something the Welsh wizard has become familiar with.

“I seem to get man-marked and double-marked at times, but that’s the way rugby goes,” he said.

“I am a better player now than I’ve ever been, and I need to take it on the chin and work my around it. It’s a challenge, and I love a challenge.

“There is a lot lying on this game.

“It’s a championship decider, and probably a game a lot of the Lions selection will be looked at - a big game under massive pressure.”