Williams: Blues are close to hitting form

Mark Hammett's side are without a win in seven GUINNESS PRO12 encounters since an opening-day victory over Zebre, falling to a 28-13 defeat to Edinburgh last weekend despite fly-half Gareth Anscombe making his long-awaited debut.

Yet Williams insists the competition for places throughout the side, not least his own contest with Lewis Jones and Tavis Knoyle for the No. 9 jersey, will ensure the Blues soon buck the trend.

The 24-year-old has extra motivation as he hopes to gain an international recall, having fallen behind Rhys Webb, Mike Phillips and Rhodri Williams in the pecking order since his last Wales cap in November 2013.

And after seeing Webb establish himself in Warren Gatland's plans with a string of impressive GUINNESS PRO12 appearances this season, Williams knows the level he has to reach, starting with the visit of Benetton Treviso on Friday.

"We had a poor game last weekend against Edinburgh but the overall changes we've made recently have gone well and we've showed glimpses of what we can do," he said.

"We are coming close in a lot of games and now need to turn those defeats into wins and then into convincing victories.

"It's good to have that competition between myself, Lewis and Tavis - we've got some good names about the squad and it encourages everyone to work hard.

"Obviously the big goal for myself is to play well for the Blues and get back into the Wales side, even though it will be a tough ask with Mike, Rhys and Rhodri all playing well.

"But Rhys has shown that playing well in the PRO12 is rewarded with international honours so my short term focus is helping the Blues and then long term looking to get back for Wales.

"The next few games are all as important as each other for our season and we'll definitely be looking to get as many points as we can around Christmas and new year."

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