The Cardiff Blues hooker starts against USA at Toyota Park after his last-minute substitute's appearance against Canada in Toronto last Saturday marked his first appearance for Wales since 2003.

Tonight will be only the second start of a seven-cap international career, six years on from his only previous start against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Williams, 29, credits two strong years with the Blues, who reached the Heineken Cup semi-finals only to lose to Leicester Tigers on a penalty shoot-out.

“You never stop hoping to be involved with Wales but I think about two years ago I stopped worrying it,” Williams said.

“I just started thinking about playing well for the club and realised that some stuff is out of your hands.

“If you don't fit into a game plan of some coach that's not your fault. Everybody's different and it can happen to anybody and so I just wanted to play well for Cardiff.

“We've had two good years, especially the last season and this is what it's led to.”

Now Williams is intent on sticking with the policy in a bid to remain in the squad.

“I think not worrying has helped me loads. It's been massive,” he added. “I've concentrated going out with Cardiff and playing well and not worrying about what will happen and the way it has worked has been good.”