SHANE’S STILL GOT THAT MAGIC
Wales wing hero rolls back the years at Paul James’ testimonial
IT was a case of rolling back the years in more ways than one at the Paul James Testimonial match this weekend.
For one thing, The Gnoll was packed out in a way it hasn’t been for well over a decade, with the kick-off having to be delayed for close on 20 minutes due to all the people queuing to get into the ground.
It was also an opportunity to see a host of star names from days gone by put their boots on once again and get out on the pitch as a Paul James Select XV took on a Classic Lions side.
So who really caught the eye? Those who are still playing professionally, like Lyon’s Delon Armitage and Osprey James Hook, understandably shone, along with those who were doing so until very recently, like ex-Wales back-rower Rob McCusker.
But what about the men who have been long retired from the pro game?
Who can still really cut it from that group? Who is defying Old Father Time?
DAFYDD JAMES
We all know the former Wales and Lions wing has kept himself in great shape since calling time on his playing career some nine years ago.
He’s worked as a fitness coach and personal trainer, while also taking part in long-distance bike rides and runs for charity.
But at the age of 43, he’s also still able to cut the mustard with ball in hand and looked like he could do a job at a very decent level.
Playing in the centre, he set the ball rolling by making the first telling break of the match and crossed for two tries as he led by example as skipper of the Classic Lions.
ALLAN BATEMAN
The 54-year-old played pretty much the whole game for the Classic Lions, defying the heat and the passing years.
He still looks as fit as a fiddle. Not once did he look remotely out of puff. Quite remarkable really.
That old gliding running style is still in working order, too, as he linked up to great effect with Dafydd James in midfield.
Not a bad centre partnership there.
And, by the way, he has no intention of hanging up his boots any time soon.
JONATHAN THOMAS
Just being on the pitch was a real landmark moment for the twice Wales Grand Slam winner.
It had been four years since he last played a game of rugby, having had to retire at the age of 32 due to head trauma.
But, happily, he is now symptom-free, so here he was back on the field.
He’s put on a couple of pounds around the midriff — haven’t we all — but the Bristol forwards coach showed he is still very comfortable with ball in hand and naturally athletic as he popped up in the wide
channels. Great to see him back out there.
SHANE WILLIAMS
Wales’s all-time record try-scorer was one of the big star attractions of the day and he matched up to his billing.
Whenever the ball headed his way, the old “Give it to Shane!” cry boomed out from the crowd and they got their wish on 17 minutes.
Everyone had been hoping to see one more moment of magic from him on the ground where he first made his name, and here it was.
Receiving the ball inside his own 22, he burst up the left and sidestepped two defenders in trademark fashion before sending his old pal Lee Byrne away to the line. Great stuff.
There were also a couple of pieces of heroics in defence, reminding people just how much he worked on his all-round game to answer those who questioned whether he would make it because of his size.
The 42-year-old had to call it a day when he limped off during the second half and he had ice strapped to the back of his leg after the game.
But the great entertainer had proved that he’s definitely still got it.
JOHN DAVIES
The former Wales prop is now 50, but, remarkably, he was back playing club rugby for Crymych last season and still has a real hunger for the game.
It was clear just how much he loved the experience of playing in front of a packed Gnoll once again.
He is not quite as mobile as he was, but the ex-Neath and Scarlets tighthead still managed to produce one of the moments of skill of the day with a lovely flick pass out of the back door in the first half.
Seems you never lose it.
MARK TAYLOR
Another former player who has kept himself really fit and still looks the part.
He’s now 46 and hung up his boots a decade ago, but you wouldn’t guess it.
The ex-Swansea and Wales centre can still run those classic lines and still takes some stopping when in full flow.
Like everyone else on the pitch, he obviously thoroughly enjoyed rolling back the years.
JOE BEARMAN
The back-rower is now in his 40th year and hasn’t played professional rugby since leaving the Ospreys in 2017.
But how good did he look out there?
The Cornishman galloped around the field like a two-yearold, covering pretty much every blade of grass, carrying, supporting, handling and tackling with absolute relish for the Paul James Select XV.
Naturally fit, he still looked as though he wouldn’t be out of place at pro level.
Amazing stuff from the surfer dude.