Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

watch listen BBC Sport BBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 27 February 2008, 08:55 GMT
Williams is a wing great - Jones
Wing Shane Williams is one try from equalling the Wales record
Wing Shane Williams is one try from equalling the Wales record
Ospreys coach Lyn Jones has likened Shane Williams' impact on Welsh rugby to that of wing legend Gerald Davies.

Williams, 31, is a try short of Gareth Thomas' Wales record of 40 and Jones says fans should savour his talents.

Jones said: "We have reflected on the impact Gerald Davies and Elgan Rees had in their time.

"We have to savour Shane now because in a few years' time we'll be reflecting and reminiscing on what he had to offer the game of rugby union."

Although Davies, the 1970s Wales and Lions great, is universally admired, Jones admits that Williams has his detractors.

Shane is like a rubber ball. He bounces around the place and is very difficult to bring down

Ospreys assistant Sean Holley

The critics point to Williams' diminutive size as an occasional drawback in modern rugby.

But the Ospreys boss, who heralded Williams' arrival in top flight rugby a decade ago when the wing emerged in Neath colours, says the player's talents should not be underestimated.

"People like Shane come along every 20 years and bring something different that you can't coach," said Jones.

"But there is no pleasing some people, is there? Everybody has an opinion on rugby and Shane offers something different to the game that you either like or dislike.

"He is similar to a lot of French wings, Simon Webster up in Scotland and Worcester's New Zealand wing Rico Gear.

"There are a number of wings like Shane and it's important you get the balance right in your side. We have that with Shane and Nikki Walker as our first-choice wings."

606: DEBATE

Williams scored a fine brace against Italy last weekend to edge closer to Thomas' record and Jones' assistant Sean Holley says that is no surprise.

Holley said: "Shane has moments every season and it's great to see him producing them on the international stage. We are well aware of what he can do.

"He's almost like a rubber ball. He bounces around the place and is very difficult to bring down and has attributes not many players in the world have.

"He's going to have electrifying moments in a game and it's just a matter of getting him in the game at the right time.

"The biggest thing is he's scoring tries. Towards the end of last season and start of this he scored some very important tries and we are seeing that for Wales."



SEE ALSO
Try hero Williams puts team first
24 Feb 08 |  Rugby Union
Wales star Shane stops for artist
25 Feb 08 |  South west
Wales 47-8 Italy
23 Feb 08 |  Rugby Union
BBC Sport Wales coverage
07 Aug 07 |  Wales
Magners Celtic League
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
Heineken Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
European Challenge Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
Anglo-Welsh Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
WRU Challenge Cup archive
12 Jul 06 |  Welsh
Welsh Premiership
11 Apr 07 |  Welsh
Rugby union positions guide
05 Feb 07 |  Laws & Equipment


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us | Advertise with us