Ali Williams: England quotes 'lost in translation'

Fans attend the international between England and France at Twickenham. Photo / Getty

Former All Black lock Ali Williams has claimed an interview he did with a French newspaper was "lost in translation" after he was quoted as saying England fans are "vindictive".

In an interview with L'Equipe Williams was quoted saying why all the big teams want to beat England and that Twickenham was the worst ground to play at.

"The English always carry this consciousness of their grand past and would like to be reminded of their great empire," Williams reportedly said.

"It's this that explains why all the big rugby nations want with all their heart to beat them: Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa.

"The Welsh hate them and I'm not going to mention the Irish. They create a consensus against them. The worst defeats are those against the English. Perhaps because they lack nobility in their victories."

The 2011 World Cup winner, known as Comical Ali, said on Twitter that the quotes were 'lost in translation'.

Doing interviews in French, not my strength #LostInTranslation here's hoping it's an England v NZ final @stephenjones9

— Ali Williams (@AliWilliams_) September 13, 2015

Correct #LostInTranslation https://t.co/NCnNWMoI17

— Ali Williams (@AliWilliams_) September 13, 2015

According to L'Equipe Williams had a dig at English fans, describing Twickenham as the worst stadium in the world to play at.

"It is the most hostile stadium there is. It's worse than Pretoria. The atmosphere is vindictive," he said.

"The supporters sing and applaud when we miss a penalty, and whistle us if we do something they disapprove of in terms of playing style. If the English, the only team nobody wants to see win, win this World Cup, it will be a dark day."

Ps some of my greatest memories were at Twickenham #firsttest pic.twitter.com/VkiU8wkGNi

— Ali Williams (@AliWilliams_) September 13, 2015