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Gatland plays down Williams injury fears

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Warren Gatland expects Liam Williams to be fit for Wales’ Grand Slam-decider against Ireland after the full-back came off injured in Saturday’s victory over Scotland.

Warren Gatland expects Liam Williams to be fit for Wales’ Grand Slam-decider against Ireland after the full-back came off injured in Saturday’s victory over Scotland.

Williams left the pitch with his shoulder slung in his shirt after taking a blow while tackling Allan Dell shortly after the restart in the Guinness Six Nations clash.

But his side nevertheless managed to survive a scare against Scotland to prevail 18-11 at BT Murrayfield, moving one step closer to a Championship clean sweep with a 13th successive Test victory.

And despite Williams looking like he could be a doubt for the all-important Super Saturday encounter with defending champions Ireland, Gatland says that the early signs are positive.

“Liam Williams was just a stinger,” said Gatland. “He’s come through and he’s pretty good, so he’s nothing serious.”

It is Gatland’s final Championship in charge of Wales and he would become the first coach to win three Grand Slams if his side manages to achieve glory in Cardiff.

“There will be emotion,” admitted Gatland. “It is St Patrick’s Day next week and the Irish will be chomping at the bit.

“It is going to be a great occasion and you won’t be able to get a ticket anywhere.

“We want to win this Championship and the only way we can do that is by getting the Grand Slam.

“If we can do that, I can promise you there will be some serious celebrations afterwards but we have to regroup.

“We do get an extra day over Ireland because they play on Sunday and that is going to be a challenge for them. “There will be no lack of motivation.”