A True Sporting Legend Retires..

[Philtaz]

tomorrow in his final game for Wales, versus Australia at the Millenium Stadium.

Shane Williams, without doubt Wales greatest ever winger. 56 tries in 85 games is nothing short of remarkable, especially in the modern era and particularly for a man standing 5'7" tall, against the current trend to play behemoths instead of bantams in the back line.

Tomorrow will be a very emotional day in Wales (the Premier League are having a minutes applause at every game in honour of the sadly departed Gary Speed) and will signal the end of one of the most exciting players ever to grace a rugby pitch.

Thanks for some fantastic memories Shane.

[jno]

greater than Ieuan Evans? Maybe. Greater than Gerald Davies? Mmmmm....

Best for many years, certainly.

[Philtaz]

Yes jno, greater than Ieuan AND Gerald, which I believe both would freely admit. His records speak for themselves.

Truly gifted as both were, no one in a Welsh jersey will EVER meet and surmount the odds Shane has, never.

As I stated previously, most players these days in his position are 5'11" minimum and built like Johnny Bravo.

Shane is living proof that regardless of stature sublime, breathtaking skill and guile will beat any gym-monkey over a lengthy career.

Shane's record and triumph over adversity will NEVER be equallled in the modern era, by ANY player.

Once again, thanks to Shane for some truly memorable and outstanding moments, the whole of Wales salutes you Sir.

[elgreco]

I agree Philtaz. Better than Evans or Davies. Look at some of the modern day monsters that Williams has had to contend with. These people did not exist until the proffessional game had been running for 3 or 4 four years. Gerald Davies was brilliant against the amateurs but I doubt that he would have been so sucessful against todays players. If Williams hadn't have been put out to grass for 2 years, he would be the most capped Welsh player.

[Sqad]

Indeed.........2 Rugby Union players that I would pay money to see.....Shane Williams and Jason Robinson.

[jno]

went out in style, didn't he?

You can only compare people with those they play against. Davies was brilliant in his day; but who's to say that if he was playing today, he wouldn't bulk up just as well as anyone else?

For me the past player most resembling Shane wasn't a wing; it was Dai Watkins. I once saw him get the ball on his own 25 (as it was then), jink his way back to his own goal line ... and still end up scoring at the other end.

[Philtaz]

He certainly did go out in style. Apart from the scoreline I doubt any Hollywood writer could have scripted that ending! Ineffective/not involved for 78 minutes of play then finishes his career with a slipped tackle, last play of the game try with a somersault flourish! I don't think there was a dry eye in Wales at the end of the match.

Will always be Wales greatest and most exciting winger IMHO, his stats are and will probably remain unequalled.