Lewis aims to succeed Williams on Welsh flank

Feb 29 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

YOUNG gun Ben Lewis is doing everything in his power to be Martyn Williams’ Wales successor at No 7 – including taking lessons from New Zealand internationals Marty Holah and Filo Tito.

The 21-year-old flanker has already been mentioned in dispatches by Wales coach Warren Gatland and continues the next stage of his development when the Ospreys bid to keep their hopes of retaining the Magners League crown alive in Glasgow tonight.

Lewis expressed his surprise at Gatland’s admission he came close to picking the 6ft 2in and 16st 5lb openside in his national squad.

“This is my first proper season at the Ospreys, a year when I didn’t expect too much, so for Wales’ coach to even be mentioning me was a big compliment,” beamed Lewis.

“I picked up the paper and there was a picture of myself there and the story with quotes from Warren about me.

“To even be close to the national squad was something I didn’t expect. But I am still young and it is just up to me to keep working as hard as I can so that I can cement my place at the Ospreys.

“You don’t know what will happen further down the line. I am in this for the long haul and Martyn Williams’ career is not going to last forever.

“He’s already retired once ... it’s up to me to force my way to the front to be considered as his successor.”

Lewis is getting expert help in his quest to be the best with former All Black star Holah providing a guiding hand.

“We have informal chats after matches when he picks out areas of my game that can be improved,” said the Wales U20 cap.

“That is great for me because I am still young and learning the game and the advice an experienced player like Marty gives me should help me become a better player.

“Being in the same squad with someone like him means you can watch how he applies himself in different situations.

“He is world-class at what he does, so if I can take on board elements of how he plays and add them to my own game it should be a big help.

“But I don’t think you should ever try to mould yourself entirely on anyone. Everyone’s strengths are different. You have to find your own style of play and develop it.

“Filo’s probably had more of an influence on me than Marty has, because he has been here longer and last season he did a bit of coaching at Swansea when I was there. When I was in the academy, he helped me as a kind of mentor.

“By the time Marty finishes, hopefully I can carry on from him and would have improved myself holistically as a player and be a better all-round openside flanker.

“Given the size of blindside flankers and No 8s in the modern game, I see myself as an openside. I played at six last time out, but it’s all about getting game-time.

“Marty and Filo were in the same back row so, if I didn’t understand a role, they had the experience to get us through it. Playing in the back row with Marty and Filo was a good experience.”

Ospreys coach and ex-Wales flanker Lyn Jones is also taking a personal interest in the development of one of the country’s most promising prospects.

“As a former No 7 himself, Lyn has been helpful. We go through the videos of matches and he takes particular interest in me as I am an openside trying to learn my trade,” said Lewis.

“In my rookie year, I just wanted to keep my head down and not make too many mistakes. It has gone quite well and I hope I have done a decent job.

“I am trying to grasp every opportunity because the competition here is so fierce that a bad game or two could mean someone else steps up to take your place. But it’s nice to read positive things about yourself.”

Ospreys are sixth in the Magners table but are only seven points behind the second-placed Scarlets and know the importance of returning home victorious from Glasgow.

“It’s a tough place to go,” said Lewis. “Glasgow are a different side at home than they are on the road. We are under no illusions about the challenge that awaits us. They will pose a big threat, so it is up to us to turn up, be professional and do what is required to come away with a win.”

Glasgow

B Stortoni; L Fa'atau, D Gibson, G Morrison, M Evans; D Parks, S Pinder; E Kalman, F Thomson, M Low, A Newman, A Kellock (capt), J Eddie, J Beattie, D Macfadyen. Replacements: E Milligan, K Tkachuk, D Turner, J Barclay, C Gregor, S Barrow, H O’Hare.

Player to watch – Donnie Macfadyen: The fit-again openside scavenger flanker makes his first league appearance of the season.

Ospreys

J Vaughton; N Walker, S Parker, J Spratt, M Taylor; S Connor, J Marshall; P James, R Hibbard, C Griffiths, L Bateman, A Wyn Jones, B Lewis, F Tiatia (capt), M Holah. Replacements: E Shervington, A Millward, A Lloyd, T Smith, R Webb, G Owen, A Brew.

Player to watch – Alun Wyn Jones: All eyes will be on the Wales lock as he has his first outing since damaging his ankle four weeks ago.

Form guide: Eighth-placed Glasgow were well beaten by the Scarlets last time out, while the Ospreys overwhelmed Connacht.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Despite all their absentees, the Ospreys still field nine full internationals and should just edge it.