Gerald Davies ‘It's not just a game for big men’

Mar 17 2008 by Simon Kendal-Williams, South Wales Echo

GERALD Davies has hailed Shane Williams for striking a big blow for the little man.

The legendary Welsh winger, now a British Lions manager, hails from a time when nearly all wide men possessed Williams’ wiry frame, but the last two decades have seen an emphasis on power as well as pace.

But after watching the 31-year-old create a new Welsh record with his 41st Test try in the Grand Slam-clinching win over France, Davies said: “Isn’t it marvellous that Shane is showing that rugby is not just a game for big men?

“Shane is always a threat with the capacity to change any game.

“There are plenty of quick wingers – no names – who don’t know where they are going.

“But the great thing about Shane is that he never lets his legs run away with him.”

Wales have produced world-class wings down the years, including Gerald Davies, JJ Williams and Ieuan Evans, but Adam Jones rates his Wales and Ospreys team-mate above them all.

“In my opinion, Shane is the best winger to play for Wales – by a fair way,” said the prop.

“I know some people seem to have some reservations about him, but he is comfortably the best player I have played with.”

Williams’ solo effort against the French means he completes a personal clean sweep of tries against every major rugby-playing nation as well as overtaking Gareth Thomas’ 40-try record.

But the flying winger insisted: “The record is great, but it’s just a bonus for me. The Grand Slam means more.”