It’s not all down to Howley, says Shane
SHANE Williams has insisted head coach Rob Howley mustn’t shoulder the entire blame for Wales’ dismal Six Nations campaign.
Under Howley’s direction, Wales slumped to fifth in the European showpiece with victories over Italy and Ireland the only cause for celebration.
A misfiring attack saw the men in red cross for just eight tries with many pointing the finger at the former scrum-half.
But Williams, who worked with Howley for three years before retiring from international rugby in 2011, says the blame must be shared around.
“Contrary to the views of some, it isn’t all down to the coach,” said the Wales legend.
“Sometimes, matches develop in such a way that players are unable to put into effect a game-plan. Individuals can lose their way under pressure or maybe their opponents prove simply better on the day.
“But it’s a collective issue more than just about one man. When I played under Howley he impressed me.
“He offered me a licence to roam and I played some of my best rugby under his direction. Effectively, he gave me a free role and helped me become a better player. I saw him as a very good coach.”
Howley’s selection policy has been widely criticised as Wales struggled to hit their straps and Williams points to the 32-8 hammering handed out by Australia last autumn as a possible reason for the conservative approach in the Six Nations.
“Wales haven’t pushed on as much as anyone would have liked. It’s hard to say why that is the case, but it’s probably fair to argue the tuning they took off Australia in the autumn jolted the confidence of everyone in the squad.
“The coaches, in particular, would have felt under pressure and they fell back on what has served them well in the past, a familiar reaction when the heat comes on.”
Six Nations highs and lows.. and which Wales players will be on Lions Tour?
Leigh Halfpenny An indifferent tournament by his standards but underlined his extraordinary goalkicking prowess in the final game against France.
The star of the 2013 series win against Australia and it would be remarkable if Warren Gatland didn’t pick him. Verdict: On the plane Liam Williams His versatility will count in his favour with his ability to operate at full-back and on the wing. The Saracens-bound man had a good Six Nations on the whole and showed his finishing ability with three tries. Verdict: Gatland can’t afford not to take him George North Took a load of deserved criticism for a poor display in the defeat to Scotland but looked a different player against Ireland and France.
North has done it all with Lions before and offers something special in terms of his power, pace and strike-running ability. Verdict: It looked risky, but he’s saved his bacon and will tour. Jonathan Davies The Scarlets man is still to rediscover the great form he showed in 2013 but has been improving gradually.
His experience and the lack of proven alternatives in the No13 role elsewhere will get him the nod Verdict: On the plane Scott Williams Williams got his long-awaited chance instead of Jamie Roberts but has flattered to deceive and done little to suggest he should tour. One of Wales’ major shortcomings was a lack of creativity in attack and Williams must logically accept some responsibility for that. Verdict: On the tour. The Wales tour that is.
SO the Six Nations is finished, which means the main trial for places on the Lions tour is over as well.
Where do Wales players stand in the reckoning as Warren Gatland Dan Biggar The Ospreys stand-off is good at what he does, but there’s an argument he isn’t what Wales need at fly-half and his Six Nations was no more than sound.
With Jonathan sexton, Owen Farrell and Finn Russell in the mix, Biggar is struggling as things stand. Verdict: Will miss out again Rhys Webb Arguably the best scrum-half in the Six Nations, his alertness and selfconfidence stood out like a beacon.
Webb is still a little hot-headed at times but has shown his class in spades. Verdict: The only question is whether puts the finishing touches to a squad he is scheduled to announce he beats Conor Murray to the Test starting berth Rob Evans Evans hasn’t done badly in the last six weeks and put in a fantastic shift against the French in Paris on Saturday, all 100 minutes of it!
But he is behind people like Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola and Jack McGrath in the pecking order. Verdict: He either tours with Wales or put his feet up. Ken Owens How many people would genuinely have had Owens down as a likely Lion on April 19?
We’ve taken a look at the prospects of those Wales players who featured in the squads that took on Scotland, Ireland and France in the final three games... before the Six Nations? Not many. But he has been one of the best and most consistent players for Rob Howley’s squad. Superb around the field and, for the most part, rock-solid at the lineout. Verdict: A deserving Lion Tomas Francis The Exeter man has made some progress as an international player but still has quite a bit to make as well.
With the greatest respect Francis is not Lions material. Verdict: No chance Aun Wyn Jones His form has largely been as it always is, extremely solid, and he will be strongly fancied.
That said, second row is tremendously cramped with outstanding candidates. Never mind the captaincy, Jones will be glad to make the squad. Verdict: Should go, but, incredibly, no guarantee. Jake Ball The Scarlets lock is a warrior and gave everything throughout the tournament for his country.
But for the reasons mentioned above it would be a shock if he got the call for New Zealand. Verdict: No chance Sam Warburton Began the Six Nations with all manner of doubts against his name. Finished it having underlined his credentials as one of the best back row players in the business.
It says it all that Warburton is now, once again, being talked about as a potential Lions captain. Verdict: Absolutely nailed on. Justin Tipuric His work-rate against the French was simply unbelievable, as it has been for most of the championship.
He didn’t catch the eye like he has at times in the past but showed he can mix it physically as well as cause problems in the wider channels. Verdict: Can’t possibly be left out. Ross Moriarty A brilliant tournament given added credence by the fact he kept Taulupe Faletau out of the team.
It is probably too soon for him for the Lions, but given the poor form of jamie Heaslip he may have an outside chance. Verdict: Probably not, but you can’t rule him out. Taulupe Faletau One of the only players in the world