Williams brings Highlanders hope

Shining light: Paul Williams

It has been a rotten season for the Highlanders, but amidst the gloom there have been some bright spots for full-back Paul Williams.

Unwanted by the Crusaders this year, Canterbury's Williams was drafted to the Highlanders and along with Fetu'u Vainikolo and Jimmy Cowan, has been the best of the southerners' backs.

Although he will start on the wing against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium on Saturday, Williams has produced his sharpest form in the number fifteen jersey when given the chance to start there.

Coach Glenn Moore has got plenty of mileage out of the 25-year-old, starting him in every match.

"I have appreciated the chance to get that continuity in game-time and prefer it at full-back where I enjoy running the ball and counter- attacking chances," Williams told the Press.

It will be as full-back that Williams will hope to represent Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup this season and will soon return to Christchurch.

If his form continues, Williams, who is negotiating a contract extension beyond this season with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), will aim to snare a spot on the Crusaders roster next year.

With outside back Caleb Ralph off to Japan, there will be at least one vacancy to fill.

Williams admitted it has been frustrating for the Highlanders, who managed only two wins this season.

"It's certainly been difficult because you play for the wins and if you don't get that result it can be challenging," he said.

"It means you have to be hard on yourself."

After badly breaking his leg representing the Highlanders in 2002, Williams missed the next three seasons.

"Certainly I'm feeling the most comfortable I have been since coming back from injury," said Williams.

Although the Highlanders farewelled their title hopes by mid-season, Williams said having a squad peppered with rookies meant there was still an incentive to perform.

"There's that chance to measure themselves against some of these other players."