Is Shane Williams a world great?

Mar 1 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

SHANE WILLIAMS ... world great or over-hyped and over-rated? Wales legend JJ Williams threw a spanner in the works by yesterday claiming our record-chasing wing wizard of 2008 has yet to prove himself at the very highest level.

Shane has wowed the Six Nations to date, taking his Test try tally to 39 in 54 matches for Wales, leaving him just one short of equalling Gareth Thomas’ all-time Welsh record.

But 1970s star JJ contends Shane has still not done it against the might of the southern hemisphere on the stage that really matters – for the British Lions, or in the semi-finals or final of a World Cup tournament.

JJ believes judgment on whether Shane is genuinely great needs to be reserved until that happens. He expects his namesake to be picked and to shine for the Lions against world champions South Africa next year, but insists the tag of being world class is bandied around too frequently in sport these days.

JJ has always been known for being brutally honest when asked for an opinion. No fudging or a desire to support the party line, he tells it as he sees it.

Four Triple Crowns, three Grand Slams and two Lions tours, not forgetting an appearance as a sprinter at a Commonwealth Games, JJ knows his stuff, so his analysis of Shane’s career is especially interesting.

“Shane has still got something to prove,” he said, before explaining, “They talk about world-class players but, to me, a world-class player is somebody who does it in the semi-final or final of the World Cup, or with the Lions.

“Wales did not get to the semi-finals of the World Cup – they got knocked out in the first round.”

JJ believes Shane will get his opportunity to stake an irresistible case for inclusion in Wales’ hall of fame during the three Tests in South Africa with next year’s Lions.

“Shane has not done it with the Lions yet, although I fully expect him to in South Africa. Until he does, I reserve judgment.”

Nevertheless, JJ insists the failed Lions expedition to New Zealand in 2005 should not be used as an excuse to knock the achievements of the 31-year-old Ospreys star, who yesterday signed a new three-year deal with the Ospreys which will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2011.

“Shane was on the back foot the entire tour and it was a complete shambles. He had next to no chance to shine in the Test matches,” pointed out JJ.

“That is why he has to go to South Africa next year and do the business with the Lions. Those are the places you achieve greatness.

“If he comes back from there having flourished, then he will take his place among the real legends, even alongside people like Gerald Davies.”

JJ stressed, at Six Nations and club level, “Shane is the master finisher. I have nothing but admiration for him, he is one of those players who can put an entire stadium on the edge of their seats.”

Shane has bagged four tries during this Six Nations and has a remarkable strike record for Wales.

But JJ discounts some of Wales’ opponents, saying, “He only has experience of the Six Nations, autumn internationals when quite often we have played weak nations like Canada and Japan, and World Cup pool matches which also featured some poor nations.

“That is no fault of his, but it means he has not proven himself in the very highest company.”

Leading English pundit Stuart Barnes believes there are faults in Shane’s game, but maintains they are more than made up for by his prolific try-scoring and acting as an attacking catalyst.

“H is an undoubted match-winner, but there are always the capacity for moments of self-destruction,” he claimed.

“In the contact area his turnover rate is appalling. Occasionally he counter-attacks when he should kick and these weaknesses have been known to backfire.

“However, throughout his career, the avalanche of dazzling breaks and the steady accumulation of international tries makes him a man whose strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.”

Davies is a fan of Shane’s and maintains the 5ft 7in “Great Entertainer” has done it against the best, pointing to the 2003 World Cup in Australia and the matches with New Zealand and England.

“Williams’ effervescence and running adventure were unstoppable in both games and, as with every match since then, the ball reaching his hands produces the kind of thrilling expectancy that stimulates the man in the street to buy a ticket just to see the player of brilliance, alone, play.

“Williams’ luminous style, lighting up every game, invariably produces the goods. He is audacious, as in taking the quick penalty against Italy that appeared ill-judged but that led to Lee Byrne scoring the first try.

“He takes chances for others to benefit. He is a fine taker of the slimmest chance himself and in the days of power and muscle he is deft on his feet and able to change direction, as he did against Italy; or he knows when the straight line is the better alternative, as in scoring the try in the corner against Scotland.”

Former Wales captain and current backs coach Rob Howley, said, “Shane is a very talented, intelligent player. He believes he will beat players when he gets the ball, so what a commodity that is to have in your backline.

“He is a very difficult person for defences to handle because he has quick feet and great balance, and everything he touches at the moment is turning to gold.”

Wales defence coach and rugby league great Shaun Edwards, said, “What a great player! I have always admired Shane.”

Head coach Warren Gatland, chipped in, “You need the ball in his hands because he does make a difference. Shane is one of those who definitely can beat defenders one-on-one.”

Thomas, whose Wales record could fall to Shane this Six Nations, purred, “I take my hat off to him. I think he’s one of the best players in the Welsh team.”

Shane has climbed to 10th on the all-time list of Test try-scorers, overtaking a certain Jonah Lomu on the way.

And New Zealand legend Zinzan Brooke, who usually spends time knocking Welsh players, has nothing but admiration for the little man.

He said, “As an opponent, you want to nail Shane – but you have to get hold of him first!

“He has the ability to step off and get himself out of the tackle, and is soft on his feet – a bit like Jason Robinson.”