Williams buckles under pressure of shoot-out

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

- Brendan Gallagher

What’s happening here?

Wales flanker Martyn Williams, one of the most skilful players of his generation, is lining up his kick in the penalty shoot-out after Cardiff and Leicester finished 26 apiece after extra time in their Heineken Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium. He appears to be showing almost textbook form – non kicking leg planted to the side, head down, slight lean back, left arm out at 90 degrees for balance, right arm down for solidity. In the background the Tigers look on, notably No.8 Jordan Crane, more of which anon.

What’s the story behind the picture?

Welsh clubs had endured a miserable record in the Heineken Cup since Cardiff had reached the first final in January 1996 but the Blues were mounting a strong challenge in the 2008-9 season. The feel-good factor was back in Welsh rugby after the national side’s Grand Slam in 2008 and Cardiff had powered through their tricky-looking pool unbeaten to qualify for the knock-out stages as the top seeds which earned a home draw at home to Toulouse. The toughest of games but they scraped through that 9-6 to earn a ‘home’ semi-final against Tigers who had beaten Bath 20-15 in their quarterfinal.