RUCK has picked his all–time Wales XV ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup – and it features a number of legends as well as one current star.
All-Time Best Wales XV:
Fullback: J.P.R. Williams (1969-1981) – As part of the swaggering 1970s era, he was fearless, skilful, quick, aggressive, and he regarded a breach of the Wales try-line as an invasion of his personal property. Factor in the sideburns and the socks rolled down around the ankles, and you have a truly iconic figure.
Winger: Gerald Davies – Another of the greats from the all-conquering Welsh side of the 70s, all style and swerve and correctness with his turned-up collar and poetic majesty.
Centre: Bleddyn Williams (1947-55) – His career was disrupted by WWII in which he was in the RAF, but by the time he won the last of his 22 caps in 1955 he had captained the Lions and become known as ‘the Prince of Centres’ courtesy of his immense leadership, robust tackling and surging runs.
Centre: Scott Gibbs (1991-2001) – Voted as the Player of the Series in the Lions Tour of South Africa in 1997, Gibbs always had a strong impact on the pitch and after a brief stint of playing Rugby League, he returned to Rugby Union and in 1999 scored a superb solo try against England in the dying moments of the game securing a 32-31 win for the Welsh.
Winger: Shane Williams (2003-2011) – He will go down as Wales’ record Test try scorer, scoring 58 tries in his 87appearances, and he remains the only Welshman to have won the prestigious IRB World Player of the Year award.