Ali Williams says he enjoyed being on the same side as South African Bakkies Botha for a change, having locked horns with the giant former Springbok on numerous occasions for club and country.

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“He’s different, he’s good different. He’s bigger, he’s a big man, he’s strong. I’m not as big or as strong, so my game’s slightly different from his.

“His physicality is definitely his strength, how strong he is, around the ruck and maul how effective he is.

“He’s very good in the scrum, a powerful player. My strength is more line-outs, I worry about the line-out, get that working.

“It’s good fun, I don’t know where the duo would sit in the world standards, were both not playing international rugby any more.

“We’re just having fun, it’s a great honour to play next to him because I’ve played against him for so long.”

Williams and Botha actually made their international debuts on the same day, November 9, 2002 – Williams in a narrow defeat to England, Botha in a crushing loss in France.

They faced each other eight times for their countries.

Asked how he would remember his encounters with the 2.02m, 124kg Botha, Williams replied: “A sore rib, neck, and shoulders!”