Things are rarely quiet and balanced when it comes to Welsh rugby.

Whether it is euphoria or hysteria, joy or despair, anticipation or dread – the form of our national team often goes a long way to dictating the mood of the nation.

And nobody knows that better than Shane Williams.

The 39-year-old experienced the full range of highs and lows, admittedly the former far outweighing the latter, in a stellar international career that yielded 87 Welsh caps and 58 tries, not to mention two Grand Slams and four test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

But now, in terms of international rugby at least, he’s on the other side of the fence. And like any other analyst or fan, he’s dwelled on his country’s struggles in the autumn, and is hoping for better when next month, Wales kick off another highly anticipated Six Nations campaign.

Interim head coach Rob Howley has named seven uncapped faces in his squad, a move that has Williams’ seal of approval.

“It’s the right approach,” the former Osprey told Telegraph Sport.

“In the autumn we looked stagnant and lost. Don’t get me wrong we had fantastic players on the field but it was clear something wasn’t right.

“We’ve now picked some fresh blood and players on form. Yes we still have a lot of experience there, but I’m really excited to see what the likes of Steffan Evans and Ashton Hewitt can bring to the table.

“It’s a real shame that Keelan Giles got injured when he did as well – but Rob has picked a squad that has given him a lot of options. It’s going to be intriguing.”

Speaking of intriguing, Williams offered his thoughts on one of the major talking points ahead of Wales’ campaign. Namely, that after 49 tests as captain, Sam Warburton would be stepping down, to be replaced by Alun Wyn Jones.

However Williams, who was led by both men numerous times in his career, has not been surprised by developments.

“Sam was one of the best captain’s I played under,” he said.

“He is so well respected by players, coaches, and referees. He’s always been brilliant in dealing with the press and has always been happy to take the pressure of his players in that respect.

“But above all else as a player, he leads by example.”

So with that mind, is his decision to step down the correct one?

“It is the right decision.

“He has had a lot of injuries of late and now is the time for him to concentrate on getting back on the field and performing like he can. Especially with so much competition now in the Welsh back row.”

And his admiration for Warburton’s successor, a long time regional teammate of Williams, is no secret.

“Alun Wyn Jones is one of the most consistent performers in world rugby,” he said,

“He wears his heart on his sleeve and is a straight no-nonsense talker. If he tells you to do something it’s because he’s doing it himself.

“It was the obvious appointment when Sam stepped down and there won’t be any kind of transition period needed.”

Perhaps not, but in terms of the Six Nations itself, transition is very much the theme of the 2017 tournament.

For the first time ever, matches will inherit a bonus point system, rewarding teams who score four tries in a game, or who lose yet finish within seven points of the opposition.

Unsurprisingly for a man whose reputation was built upon unlocking defences and predatory finishing, the announcement has pleased Williams – although interestingly, he feels the rules will also throw in some difficult conundrums for teams.

“I do love the traditions of the tournament and can be old fashioned in that respect – but I’m really excited by this. We will see more attack minded play with teams going in with the attitude of wanting to score tries.

“It may also result in more mistakes if teams push too hard – but people want to see tries, not defences on top.”

And yet, the changes mean he is viewing Wales’ opening game, away to Italy on February 5th, with as much caution as he does intrigue.

“Wales are expected to beat Italy - but in years gone by you see that as a tough opening away game where you just want to get the win.

“But now it’s different. Do we go there and view it as a game we need a bonus point from? The new system is going to change the mentality and tactics of teams - and it will be fascinating to see what approach we take in Rome.”

Regardless, Williams agrees with the widespread assessment that England will kick off as favourites – but has a hunch it may not be Eddie Jones’ side that top the table come the end of play on March 17th.

“England are clear favourites and rightly so because of their recent results.

“But Ireland are long past that ‘transition’ period now and have recovered from losing the likes of Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. I think it may well come down to that final game between Ireland and England and because it’s in Dublin, I can see Ireland winning it.”

And yet, it is of little surprise that a man who contributed so heavily to two Welsh Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 won’t be writing his home nation off either.

In fact, he feels the uncertainty surrounding Wales may benefit Howley’s side.

“With the squad selection you just don’t know what team we will pick or how we will approach the tournament. We have England and Ireland both at home and I’m excited to see what we’ll do.”

But irrespective of how Wales and the other home nations perform, will all players have something else significant in the back of their minds?

Williams toured with the British and Irish Lions in the summers following both the 2005 and 2009 Six Nations, scoring two tries in the side’s only test match win during that period, the third test in 2009 against South Africa in Johannesburg.

However, he’s quick to dispel the notion that the upcoming tour will affect those expected to be on the plane.

“Of course it’s in people’s minds but the class players, the ones you want on a Lions tour, won’t be affected.

“You go in worrying about your form for that reason and it suggests that you will miss out anyway because you are not strong enough mentally. The top players perform well week in week out regardless of outside factors.”

The latter statement of course, is one that few can deny was relevant to one of Wales’ all-time great players during his international career.

And what is clear, that although the 2008 IRB World Player of the Year's involvement in the tournament is now primarily work related, his passion for rugby union’s biggest annual tournament as a fan still burns brightly.

“I love the Six Nations and before that, I grew up loving the Five Nations. It’s a great tournament and one that still really excites me every year.”

He speaks for many. But what Wales fans will now rue of course, is that try bonus points in the Six Nations tournament didn't exist when Williams himself was around.........

  • On April 1st, the inaugural Tour De Shane will take place in Pembrokeshire - a cycling event to raise funds for the The Velindre Cancer Centre. For more information, or how to enter eith the 50 or 70 mile routes on offer, visit www.man-upuk.com/tour-de-shane.