Because of his height John Williams was a tower of strength in the line-out. He was an excellent scrummager too, because he had the strength, but it was his line-out work that made him exceptional.

No one had a chance with him when he went up for the ball at No. 3, where he invariably stood. That is one of the reasons why Northern Transvaal's line-out work is so good today; John Williams, who coaches them, is a true authority on this vital aspect of the game.

Under John's guidance Northern Transvaal have again become a team of match winners, and the dominant force in South African rugby. This gives some indication of his ability as a coach, a field where he is making an enormous contribution.