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**truebluefan** · 11-25-2007, 02:33 PM

AN AUSTRALIAN backpacker, over in Europe to watch his heroes at last month's Rugby World Cup, got more than he bargained for when a trial for the German national team led to his being thrown into a crucial European showdown.

University student Steve Williams, 25, who plays for Mosman in Sydney's suburban competition, stayed in Europe after watching Australia's unsuccessful World Cup bid and contacted the German Rugby Union.

Germany's director of rugby Peter Ianusevici invited the tight-head prop, who qualifies through his German mother, for a trial with the national team on Thursday.

The Romanian coach was so impressed with what he saw, he named Williams in the starting line-up for their key European Nations Cup division two clash against Moldova in Heidelberg overnight.

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**truebluefan** · 11-25-2007, 02:33 PM

An Australian backpacker, over in Europe to watch his heroes at last month's Rugby World Cup, will travel home for Christmas as a fully fledged international after a winning debut for the German national team.

Tight-head prop Steve Williams, 25, who plays for Sydney club Mosman in the city's suburban competition, had a trial for the German team on Thursday having stayed in Europe after watching Australia's unsuccessful World Cup bid.

Germany's director of rugby Peter Ianusevici was so impressed with Williams, who qualifies through his German mother, that he gave him his debut for his adopted country as they beat Moldova 34-5 in Heidelberg on Saturday.

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