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Shane Williams
Shane Williams
'Wales had that X-factor'
10 February 2008, 4:48 pm
By Ieuan Evans
So, Wales made it two wins out of two against Scotland and I have to say the better side won. Wales were always the team most likely to score, the most threatening when they got the ball.
The only worry we had during the game was the fact it was a carbon copy of Twickenham a week ago in reverse.

Wales were the dominant team but not really getting away from Scotland. The Scots scored penalties to keep in touch but really didn’t threaten the Welsh tryline - they looked rather toothless.

At times Wales seemed to go to the outside channels a little bit too early, but they scored some great tries. Shane Williams’ first and especially his second - even though television replays now have shown it was questionable - showed brilliant individual skill.

You always felt Wales had that X-factor that Scotland didn’t have.

The key moment for me was when Warren Gatland made those changes in the second half. To change the spine of team - two, eight, nine, 10 - pretty much at the same time was very bold and ultimately was the final nail in the Scottish coffin.

They started to bring a pattern to the game whereas the game was largely devoid of pattern in the first half because people weren’t holding on to the ball for long enough.

Gatland constantly makes changes, asks questions - never lets the grass grow under people’s feet.

He made changes to a winning team from Twickenham because he was well aware there were areas where Wales need desperately to improve.

I like what he’s doing with the players. If they’re not at their best he’ll look to bring other players in. I’m enthused by the coaching team.

Even though Wales have won two from two they haven’t really had to play that well at times. They’re very fortunate both England and Scotland weren’t able to capitalise on some of Wales’ areas of concern.

The performances are still short of where Gatland would like. He’s gone on record as saying his team is still two years away from being where he’d like it to be.

It’s Italy next up at the Millennium Stadium on February 23. Wales will fancy their chances, but the Italians have a very physical pack and have always caused us problems in the past.

They’re now looking at a Triple Crown showdown with Ireland next month - but must concentrate on seeing off Italy first.


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