Marshall: Easy to tempt stars out for testimonial

Apr 26 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

JUSTIN MARSHALL says it’s been an “easy sell” to persuade some of the biggest names in world rugby to come on board for Shane Williams’ testimonial match.

Marshall has revealed that a host of southern hemisphere stars have jumped at the chance to pay tribute to the Welsh wing wizard in the showpiece game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, May 17.

The All Blacks great says that’s testament to the high esteem in which Grand Slam-hero Williams is held within the world game.

Marshall is not yet able to disclose the names of the players who will feature in his World XV up against Shane’s Wales XV.

But he says some 30 players have already agreed to be involved in his team – pending their availability – and that it will be a top quality side he leads out on the field.

That could mean European-based Kiwis such as Carlos Spencer, Carl Hayman, Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear, Regan King, Andrew Mehrtens and Marty Holah taking part, while the likes of George Gregan and Percy Montgomery are just across the Channel in France.

Marshall says he’s had an overwhelming response from the stars he has approached.

“When I mentioned to a few of my friends the possibility of being involved in a testimonial match as a tribute to Shane, everybody jumped at it,” said the Ospreys scrum-half.

“I guess that gives you a perspective about how high he is held in world rugby.

“People want to acknowledge what he has achieved and will go on to achieve in the game.

“From that perspective, players are really looking forward to the occasion.

“The Millennium Stadium is one of the greatest stadiums in the world and for the players to have an opportunity to come and play in a game there for Shane was an easy selling point.

“Sometimes when you try to piece a match like this together it can be a bit difficult to get players to commit, but when you have a name like Shane Williams, it’s no problem.

“Some people think players are just out there after the money and that’s all they ever play for.

“But there is a huge amount of respect for Shane and players just want to acknowledge what they see as a real talent in the game.

“It’s been an extremely easy selling point, believe me.

“It’s been no problem to contact players, especially my mates from New Zealand and the southern hemisphere, to ask them to get involved in the game.”

Marshall says this speaks volumes for his regional colleague Williams, who became Wales’ all-time record try-scorer in the Grand Slam-clinching win over France and was named player of the Six Nations.

“You can be a great rugby player, but not necessarily a great ambassador for the game. Shane is both,” he said.

“Testament to that is the responses I have had.

“That’s from southern hemisphere players who have seen what he offers on the field in terms of absolute brilliance, but also how he comes across as a really nice guy and an ambassador for the game.

“All of those things people factor in saying yes and no. I know I do.

“I don’t put my name to things I’m not comfortable with, but I think this is really right for the good of the game.

“This is an acknowledgement of what Shane has achieved in the sport and what he has done for it.

“Having spent time playing against him and with him, he’s someone I totally respect and a true legend of the game.

“It’s going to be a fitting occasion and an absolute pleasure for me to play against Shane and put a really competitive team together, which we have pretty much got sealed off.”

Elaborating on the likely composition of his World XV, Marshall said: “It will be predominantly southern hemisphere, with the odd northern hemisphere player involved.

“I know Ireland and Scotland have important tours coming up and some players are keen to get some rugby before they head away on those.

“The only headache I have in terms of getting some of the players is ongoing fixtures in the Premiership and Europe.

“I’ve got 30-odd players that are interested in playing.

“It’s just a matter of nailing things down once we know who’s available. It will definitely be a strong side.”

Although it’s a testimonial match, Marshall knows from personal experience that it’s likely to be a competitive encounter.

“I have been involved with the Barbarians, World XVs and Classic All Blacks and you get together on one of these trips and it’s reasonably social,” he said.

“But the bizarre thing is you can turn up for a game after a pretty heavy social week and the players just turn up and deliver because they are what they are.

“International players have a certain pride in themselves regardless of what sort of week they’ve had because that’s what they have in them.

“They just have that competitive streak and will to win in them.

“I can guarantee whatever happens going into the game that the players will instinctively go out and play really well and provide a great spectacle.

“Even though it’s a testimonial, the players’ natural competitiveness comes out.

“That will to win comes into everything you do. It doesn’t matter whether you are playing a game of draughts or darts or cards, sports people are just competitive people.”

And Marshall believes that will benefit Wales coach Warren Gatland – who will coach Williams’ team of Grand Slammers – in terms of preparations for the tour of South Africa.

“I can understand why Warren is quite pro the idea,” he said.

“You head into a tour of South Africa having not been together for three or four months and you are pretty much thrown into the mixer.

“I guess even though it’s a testimonial game and a sort of festive occasion, it’s also the opportunity for the players to get some contact, to get to play off each other again and strike up a few combinations.

“It doesn’t really matter if it’s not Test match seriousness.

“It gets players familiar with each other after being apart for so long.

“So I can see why Warren would be up for the game.”

Marshall says that competitive edge will be combined with a desire to play open, running rugby as befits the occasion.

“I can promise there won’t be as much kicking as what we are used to,” he said.

“We will look to throw the ball around and hopefully the crowd will see a great spectacle and a really good game of rugby.

“I know from being involved in these types of teams that you come together with limited time and a limited game plan but that actually is a really good thing.

“It means people play off their instinct and are not robotic.

“They just go out and express their God-given talents.

“At times, I think that’s what’s missing from our game – we are too robotic or too premeditated.

“These players get together and they use their natural ability and I know that will happen on this occasion.

“Shane has also said he wants to run around and have a real spectacle, so it should be an entertaining game

“It will be quality rugby and a great day out, not only for Shane but Welsh rugby.

“It’s a real honour to be involved in such a great occasion.”

The match will kick-off at 1.15pm with the Konica Minolta Cup final to follow at the stadium at 6pm.