WALES star Martyn Williams has no doubt where a Test series triumph against South Africa would rank in his glittering career.

“It would top it all off,” said the 88 times-capped Cardiff Blues flanker, who has embarked on a third Lions tour following Australia in 2001 and New Zealand four years ago.

Despite Williams’s world-class ability though, he has yet to start a Test match for the Lions.

His one taste of it came as a replacement during the 38-19 third Test defeat against New Zealand in Auckland, which is scant reward for a player with such talent.

But he is ready to make his mark, whether he lines up against the Springboks next month or not.

“Ideally, you would be starting in the Test side and winning the series, but if you don’t start, there is still a very important role to play,” he said.

“Geech (Lions head coach Ian McGeechan) made that point earlier this week.

“He said one of the greatest Lions he ever worked with was Jason Leonard in South Africa 12 years ago. Jason didn’t start, but what he did behind the scenes for the other boys to make sure they won the series was outstanding.”

Williams seemingly faces a straight fight for the number seven Lions Test shirt with Ireland Grand Slam winner David Wallace, and the contest is launched in earnest this weekend.

Opening tour opponents the Royal XV await in Rustenburg, and Williams has underlined the importance of making a strong start.

“I was talking to Gareth Edwards the other day, and he was part of Lions squads that were away for three-and-a-half months and played more than 20 games,” Williams said.

“We’ve got six games before the first Test. We haven’t got a season to build a game plan – we’ve just got to hit the ground running.

“I’ve been fortunate this season. I’ve played a fair bit, but not a ridiculous amount. I’ve played 25 games all season, so I feel fresh. The weeks off you have during a season are invaluable. And when you turn up in a Lions environment, it gives you an extra boost. It’s a Lions tour, and if you are feeling tired on something like that, you shouldn’t be here.

“There were butterflies in the stomach when you turned up and met all the boys, and the way everyone has gelled has been awesome. We’ve worked hard, but it has been smart work as well, which is the key to it all.”

McGeechan announces his side to face the Royal XV today, with Williams likely to be involved for what would be a 12th Lions appearance.

And with the first Test just a little over three weeks away, the Lions need to make an immediate impact.

“It’s hard to find a weakness in the South African squad,” added Williams.

“They have got some incredible players, and not only those who will feature in the Test series either.

“South Africa is one of the toughest places to tour, and it’s going to be a huge test for us. But looking at the balance and the players we’ve got here, I think we can do ourselves justice.”

Royal XV coach Chaka Willemse expects a strong physical threat from the Lions in Saturday’s game.

Willemse has named a team containing 11 members of the Vodacom Cup-winning Griquas side under the captaincy of prop Wilhelm Koch.