Saturday, October 16, 2010
Shane Williams great solo try against London Irish
Williams try came after right wing Tommy Bowe had scored another nicely taken try earlier in the game following a good piece of play by James Hook. Dan Biggar kicked four penalties on the night, but Hook himself added a penalty and a conversion.
For London Irish, Sailosi Tagicakibau scored an intercept try, and Ryan Lamb kicked 11 points. They were outplayed by Ospreys though who looked the hungrier side, and with moments of brilliance like was seen from Williams, theyve shown that theres plenty more to come.
Williams, now 33 years old and surely reaching the latter stages of his career, scored the wonderful try on the occasion of his 50th Heineken Cup match. "I had been finding it really difficult to get involved in games this season, but I felt sharp," he said.
"I just wanted a crack, to be honest. I feel pretty good. It was a very tough game and there was a lot of pressure on us to play well. It would have been doom and gloom in Wales had we lost."
London Irish head coach Toby Booth was full of praise for Williams after the game.
"He came up with something exceptional - it was Shane Williams at his best. I am all for the entertainment business, and it was a great piece of skill by him. It's what the Heineken Cup is about, and he has been doing that for a long time," he said.
If there's something in particular that you spotted this weekend that you feel should be featured here on Rugbydump, please post a request , or get in touch via email .
Time: 01:57
Posted at 7:10 pm | 63 comments
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Viewing 63 comments
Shaneo October 16, 2010 6:09 pm
First like a boss :) another incredible try from the try machine! Cymru am byth
David October 16, 2010 6:10 pm
Still got the magic.
(standby for the usual Williams hating)
=)
(standby for the usual Williams hating)
=)
Chucky October 16, 2010 6:30 pm
Great post RD !! - Beautiful try from one of the sports legends!
Gaz October 16, 2010 6:32 pm
Robinson wouldn't have scored that as it required the ability to kick the ball
falafel waffle October 16, 2010 6:41 pm
Entertaining match to say the least. Shane Williams still has it...even at 33 (as if that's actually old), he's still on fire.
WelshOsprey October 16, 2010 6:45 pm
Great game and great try. His run where he jumped over Topsy Ojo was something special too.
falafel waffle October 16, 2010 7:00 pm
Good on Williams for not bitching about the Ojo high tackle either. Not that he would, I'm just glad he didn't...
Anonymous October 16, 2010 7:12 pm
i guess that is what a full pre-season for the first time in 8 years can give you. i say he can still go on more many more years if he is allowed to play less and train more.
and j.r could not do that. and if you look at the try scoring records sw is vastly superior. remember jr did have a world cup winning pack that gave him lots of opportunities. still a great though. just not sw great
and j.r could not do that. and if you look at the try scoring records sw is vastly superior. remember jr did have a world cup winning pack that gave him lots of opportunities. still a great though. just not sw great
Anonymous October 16, 2010 7:59 pm
After brian o 'drisscoll he's one of the favourite players to watch, powerful and fast with skill to boot!
Mike October 16, 2010 8:12 pm
Williams is a super talent. He's not a percentage player who will always do the right thing or never lose the ball, but he reminds me of David Campese - pure genius, you never know what he is going to do or where he is going to go, and even after he does it you don't know how the hell he did it.
He epitomises Welsh rugby - sometimes poor, sometimes amazing, but always worth watching. All hail the Welsh Genius!
He epitomises Welsh rugby - sometimes poor, sometimes amazing, but always worth watching. All hail the Welsh Genius!
HansGook October 16, 2010 8:42 pm
He really is a little magician.
Hook looked brilliant at 12 & 10 too.
Hook looked brilliant at 12 & 10 too.
wow October 16, 2010 10:00 pm
he sidestepped before he even caught the ball!! this guy is amazing!
Anonymous October 16, 2010 10:03 pm
I reckon Shane Williams must be the most annoying player in the world, if you're a 2nd/3rd rower like me, in a sort of "come here, puny little winger. stand still so I can crush you, no, don't run!..." way, but he is one class player. He has that impredictable factor so few players have. Williams and cooper are visionaries
Jake October 16, 2010 11:59 pm
RD could you please poste Felipe Contepomi's try saver against Munster?
Anonymous October 17, 2010 12:32 am
Moments like these in games are worth the entry fee alone.
Good advert for the sport.
Good advert for the sport.
Guuin October 17, 2010 12:35 am
Yeah the thing about Shane Williams is, is that he attracts the common fan. I'm not trolling or anything, but really there is more to rugby than side stepping. His defense is incredibly poor and you can't blame it on his size because Geo Aplon does just fine.
Obviously he is one of the stand out players in the NH, and because they don't have many talents up north, his skills must be celebrated to such an in your face level, like... "YEAH LOOK WHAT SHANE JUST DID I BET ONLY 12 OF THE GENERIC MAORIS IN THE ITM CUP COULD DO THAT HUH YEAH". This is just how I feel, don't remove my post RD, thanks.
Obviously he is one of the stand out players in the NH, and because they don't have many talents up north, his skills must be celebrated to such an in your face level, like... "YEAH LOOK WHAT SHANE JUST DID I BET ONLY 12 OF THE GENERIC MAORIS IN THE ITM CUP COULD DO THAT HUH YEAH". This is just how I feel, don't remove my post RD, thanks.
stout month October 17, 2010 12:53 am
I disagree Guuin. I've seen a lot of rugby (both NH and SH competitions) and Shane Williams, when he is on top of his game, is a fantastic player. He's not pulling off things like this 100% of the time, but when he does, it's pretty great stuff.
He does alright on defense (no, not as good as a big NZ winger or, as you even pointed out, as committed as Gio Aplon). He played scrumhalf for a while, so I think he's got that scrumhalf attitude on defense, but he's far from the worst defensive winger around.
But looking back on his decade-long career, you'll see he's a pretty inspiring winger. Maybe he's not for everyone, but as a winger myself, I love watching him put the moves on players.
The first part of your post was reasonable, the second came off as kind of a dick comment, but whatever.
He does alright on defense (no, not as good as a big NZ winger or, as you even pointed out, as committed as Gio Aplon). He played scrumhalf for a while, so I think he's got that scrumhalf attitude on defense, but he's far from the worst defensive winger around.
But looking back on his decade-long career, you'll see he's a pretty inspiring winger. Maybe he's not for everyone, but as a winger myself, I love watching him put the moves on players.
The first part of your post was reasonable, the second came off as kind of a dick comment, but whatever.
Tikoala October 17, 2010 1:00 am
Extraordinary, remebers me of the try of dominici against all blacks in 1999 excepts that here Shane williams does everything himself
Juggernauter October 17, 2010 1:20 am
This little guy is a genius. Anybody that's seen some rugby over the years can tell he's been pulling off stuff like this, wathever the opponent or competition.
Love his "where's the defence?" gesture when he scores also.
Love his "where's the defence?" gesture when he scores also.
vinniechan October 17, 2010 6:09 am
Might not be the quickest sprinter any more but he still has it.
Absolutely top class
Absolutely top class
Anonymous October 17, 2010 7:03 am
has he lost a bit of pace in the last few years? I haven't seen him play in ages, but I was surprised that guy caught him in the in-goal area...
Anonymous October 17, 2010 7:27 am
he's still the fastest player in the welsh squad though
Anonymous October 17, 2010 7:36 am
Brilliant solo try, the side stepp whilst gathering the ball is magic.
Now, for team try of the week, look no further than Edinburgh - Northampton.
In fact, put up all three Edinburgh tries, especially the one finished by Jacobsen side stepping through a group of four players.
Now, for team try of the week, look no further than Edinburgh - Northampton.
In fact, put up all three Edinburgh tries, especially the one finished by Jacobsen side stepping through a group of four players.
Anonymous October 17, 2010 8:36 am
He is the kind of player who can spark a game into life with moments like this maybe he does have his off games like most players do there only human but more often than not if the ball is good shane will produce....p.s he is not the fastest player in the Welsh squad Tom Prydie is.
Anonymous October 17, 2010 10:08 am
With regards to his defence and although not a hard tackle checkout that try saving mark he pulled off against Scotland last year , beating 2 considerabley taller opponents to the high ball.
Chris October 17, 2010 10:46 am
This is a great try but nothing to get to excited over.
Whoever thinks Jason Robinson couldn't do this is having a laugh. The chip and chase, as seen by Williams here, is ridiculously popular in League. You even see forwards attempt it.
Here's the problem with this sort of thing, it's not that it isn't great when it comes off. It's that 98% of the time it doesn't come off, the ball isn't kicked right, and even when it is you'd be lucky to get a good bounce.
Williams is lucky here. More than anything
Whoever thinks Jason Robinson couldn't do this is having a laugh. The chip and chase, as seen by Williams here, is ridiculously popular in League. You even see forwards attempt it.
Here's the problem with this sort of thing, it's not that it isn't great when it comes off. It's that 98% of the time it doesn't come off, the ball isn't kicked right, and even when it is you'd be lucky to get a good bounce.
Williams is lucky here. More than anything
Anonymous October 17, 2010 10:54 am
Chris lets be honest mate how can you call gathering the ball one handed out of the air while avoiding a player handing of another then sprinting 45-50 yards to score in the corner lucky?? maybe the bounce was lucky but you make your own luck....classic try from one of the most exciting players in the world.
FrankyH October 17, 2010 11:08 am
Ffs it's a great try, cant you just give it some credit?? So sick of armchair pundits around the world putting down quality rugby. Give credit where credit it due, and just enjoy. Life must be really depressing viewing things through your eyes. Lighten the f*ck up. You might find rugby a helluva lot more enjoyable :)
This is a wonderful try, whether he's Jason Robinson, Gio Aplon, Christian Cullen or Shane Williams. It's simply a very good try. End of story.
This is a wonderful try, whether he's Jason Robinson, Gio Aplon, Christian Cullen or Shane Williams. It's simply a very good try. End of story.
Gavin October 17, 2010 11:08 am
Chris, I'm sure you'll be able to post several clips of Jason Robinson (also a great player) scoring similar tries where he chips to himself.
*waits*
Oh yeah, nice work on ignoring the troll, folks :)
*waits*
Oh yeah, nice work on ignoring the troll, folks :)
Chris October 17, 2010 2:12 pm
Chris lets be honest mate how can you call gathering the ball one handed out of the air while avoiding a player handing of another then sprinting 45-50 yards to score in the corner lucky?? maybe the bounce was lucky but you make your own luck....classic try from one of the most exciting players in the world.
..........
You misunderstand me. I'm saying he's lucky that the ball sat up right.
If he was that good, as people imply, he could do this all the time. He can't. Why not? Because such plays are heavily dependant on luck. And 98% of the time the kick wouldn't be just right, neither would the bounce.
How many times has Williams attempted this and failed. That's the real question here?
My problem isn't with Williams, I'd just hate to see tons of players trying this and kicking away posession. Which is already a big problem in recent years
Make no mistake I am downloading this game and putting this try in my next highlights video, lol.
I'm just trying to be realistic.
..........
You misunderstand me. I'm saying he's lucky that the ball sat up right.
If he was that good, as people imply, he could do this all the time. He can't. Why not? Because such plays are heavily dependant on luck. And 98% of the time the kick wouldn't be just right, neither would the bounce.
How many times has Williams attempted this and failed. That's the real question here?
My problem isn't with Williams, I'd just hate to see tons of players trying this and kicking away posession. Which is already a big problem in recent years
Make no mistake I am downloading this game and putting this try in my next highlights video, lol.
I'm just trying to be realistic.
Anonymous October 17, 2010 2:22 pm
FrankyH the voice of reason.
Chris and Guuin the voices of bitterness.
I like great rugby wherever it's played, most of these kids today act like retarded soccer fans.
Chris and Guuin the voices of bitterness.
I like great rugby wherever it's played, most of these kids today act like retarded soccer fans.
Anonymous October 17, 2010 2:23 pm
Lovely try. Nice to see Shane performing well again after going quiet for a while.
Chris October 17, 2010 2:33 pm
Chris, I'm sure you'll be able to post several clips of Jason Robinson (also a great player) scoring similar tries where he chips to himself.
....
Lol i can't... but I can find you videos of crap players doing this.
In a year or two when everyone and their mother thinks they can do this you'll be thanking me. I've seen what the chip and chase has done to League(where posession is EVERYTHING). I'd hate to see what it could do to Rugby(where field position is more important)
Heed the warning. It won't be long until you see John Smit trying this.
....
Lol i can't... but I can find you videos of crap players doing this.
In a year or two when everyone and their mother thinks they can do this you'll be thanking me. I've seen what the chip and chase has done to League(where posession is EVERYTHING). I'd hate to see what it could do to Rugby(where field position is more important)
Heed the warning. It won't be long until you see John Smit trying this.
Chris October 17, 2010 2:36 pm
Infact, I just got off the phone with Matt Dunning, him and the boys are practicing the chip and chase for the next test as we speak.
FrankyH October 17, 2010 2:54 pm
Chris why are you taking away from a very well executed try? I just don't understand it. Very few players DO actually manage to pull this off, but Williams did, so it's a good try. Are you trying to insinuate that Williams attempts that every time he gets the ball?? Because he doesn't.
The chip and chase has been part of rugby forever. You're a little deluded in your views mate, not to mention extremely cynical. If it was a player from your fav team, or even your fav player, who did it I'd imagine you'd be singing his praises.
You're entitled to your opinion but the majority of us want to come here just to enjoy good rugby, not to listen to some kid slating and dissecting everything that's posted. Give it a rest please pal.
The chip and chase has been part of rugby forever. You're a little deluded in your views mate, not to mention extremely cynical. If it was a player from your fav team, or even your fav player, who did it I'd imagine you'd be singing his praises.
You're entitled to your opinion but the majority of us want to come here just to enjoy good rugby, not to listen to some kid slating and dissecting everything that's posted. Give it a rest please pal.
Rowan DeBues October 17, 2010 4:36 pm
Great try. Love the commentator yelling "SHANE WILLIAMSSSSSSSSSSS". Only minor thing to take away is what the hell was Tagiackabau (Irish 11) doing. He made this half lunger at Williams then stopped.
Regardless, I can't imagine a Welsh squad without Shane Williams. He isn't always the Welsh Wizard, but when he is it makes a match
Regardless, I can't imagine a Welsh squad without Shane Williams. He isn't always the Welsh Wizard, but when he is it makes a match
Anonymous October 17, 2010 6:37 pm
anyone called chris put your hand up! u is a troll! well done! your views are skewed and fake.. bye bye now take care then
Anonymous October 17, 2010 7:49 pm
super try, not many players could have pulled that off! hard to believe he's nearly 34 years of age as well and still going strong.. word of note tho shane, dont ease up when going towards the line or a covering defender will try and decapitate you to knock the ball out lol ojo was probably getting him back for hurdling him earlier in the game!
Anonymous October 17, 2010 9:55 pm
so many Welsh sooks on here, tissue time girls!
John October 17, 2010 10:18 pm
Does anyone know what a sook is? We'll need a new board for folks who speak in funny dialects.
Great try, great player, no national prejudices.
Great try, great player, no national prejudices.
Anonymous October 18, 2010 2:28 am
I think Shane Williams is horrendously overated! I've never liked him or welsh rugby. Saying that it was a nice wee try that i actually watched twice.
nuclear penguin October 18, 2010 6:18 am
So, your second sentence makes your first point moot, Anonymous. You don't like Welsh rugby or Williams, so of course you'll find him overrated.
For example: I don't much care for crime in my town, so I think drug dealers are overrated.
For example: I don't much care for crime in my town, so I think drug dealers are overrated.
Chris October 18, 2010 10:48 am
Look to be honest I don't like Shane Williams..... because I think that everything is in proportion if you get my drift and in this case it doesn't float my boat. Give me a strapping 6foot4 wing any day ;)
Flooz October 18, 2010 11:21 am
Luv this player.
little speedsters are becoming quite rare in the top "muscles" level.
Guys like Robinson, Dominici, Cullen or Williams are definetly legends!
little speedsters are becoming quite rare in the top "muscles" level.
Guys like Robinson, Dominici, Cullen or Williams are definetly legends!
OspreysExile October 18, 2010 6:49 pm
Absolute pleasure watching Shane at work. After that game I thought we may just give Munster a good seeing to.
Then I saw the Munster Toulon game... It looks like Munster and Leicester have woken up.
Should be a great HC - really couldn't say who will win this one.
Welsh selection came out today and I was surprised to see they had picked Tom Prydie - must be linked with Gatlands contract extension. He's looking to blood a youngster with international experience to make him an excellent replacement for Bryne at fullback. Thought Josh Turnbull deserved a call up though.
Sorry for the off topic rant there.
Then I saw the Munster Toulon game... It looks like Munster and Leicester have woken up.
Should be a great HC - really couldn't say who will win this one.
Welsh selection came out today and I was surprised to see they had picked Tom Prydie - must be linked with Gatlands contract extension. He's looking to blood a youngster with international experience to make him an excellent replacement for Bryne at fullback. Thought Josh Turnbull deserved a call up though.
Sorry for the off topic rant there.
Alwill October 18, 2010 10:55 pm
After 70 odd caps 50 odd international tries against ALL competition....probably the highest percentage of highlight reel tries of anyone it boggles my mind that this player still gets so little respect. His defence is not awesome, but its far from poor and anyone who watches him consistently will know he shirks nothing. For you doubting Kiwis Justin Marshall said he had the best feet of anyone he ever played with or against. That is quite a compliment considering the legends he graced the field with.
NiWiTa October 19, 2010 12:11 pm
Nice try Shane - annoyed you don't play for England! Can't see why people don't appreciate a good try when it happens...oh well
Andy? October 19, 2010 1:49 pm
Good try!!
I must say though the number 11 had a chance to absolutely nail Williams when he was catching the ball. It was almost as though he either a) didn't want to hurt him or b) wasn't sure whether he was in the air or not or whether he had control of the ball.
I must say though the number 11 had a chance to absolutely nail Williams when he was catching the ball. It was almost as though he either a) didn't want to hurt him or b) wasn't sure whether he was in the air or not or whether he had control of the ball.
(u-p)rick October 20, 2010 3:28 pm
Andy summed up my thoughts exactly, I'd go with b) not sure whether he'd be pinged for smashing williams in the air!
'I must say though the number 11 had a chance to absolutely nail Williams when he was catching the ball. It was almost as though he either a) didn't want to hurt him or b) wasn't sure whether he was in the air or not or whether he had control of the ball.'
'I must say though the number 11 had a chance to absolutely nail Williams when he was catching the ball. It was almost as though he either a) didn't want to hurt him or b) wasn't sure whether he was in the air or not or whether he had control of the ball.'
Anonymous October 20, 2010 4:12 pm
1. Awesome try from one of the greats of the game
2. In comparisons to Robinson, they have the same build and world-beating sidesteps. Williams is more creative; Robinson vastly superior defensively. Shane's achieved a hell of a lot for Wales and Robinson won almost everything there is to win in BOTH codes. Both players are all-time greats.
3. Just shows how useful 20m pace is in rugby - you can see a quicker man in Topsy Ojo make up a hell of a lot of ground getting back to him, but very few people could beat Shane over 20m.
2. In comparisons to Robinson, they have the same build and world-beating sidesteps. Williams is more creative; Robinson vastly superior defensively. Shane's achieved a hell of a lot for Wales and Robinson won almost everything there is to win in BOTH codes. Both players are all-time greats.
3. Just shows how useful 20m pace is in rugby - you can see a quicker man in Topsy Ojo make up a hell of a lot of ground getting back to him, but very few people could beat Shane over 20m.
Anonymous October 21, 2010 1:35 am
I am an out and out rugby league supporter from Australia and dont really rate many people in rugby...But this guy is just sheer class. You wouldnt see any better than that anywhere in the world.
Anonymous January 05, 2011 10:43 pm
great try but a great rugby player, to the SH troll going on about shane's defence, you must be talking about shane 3 or 4 years ago, shane has done a lot of work on his denfence and whereas he will never be a huge hitter (you are born a big hitter you dont become one) he still makes a lot more tackles now than he used too
P.s. anonymous - i have heard that tom prydie is the fastest player in the welsh squad its just a shame we have never really seen him having a good run with ball in hand
P.s. anonymous - i have heard that tom prydie is the fastest player in the welsh squad its just a shame we have never really seen him having a good run with ball in hand
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