Williams backs North to reach the top
Wales wing legend Shane Williams has backed explosive Scarlets teenager George North to break his Test try-scoring record, but will not be doing him any favours when they square up at Parc y Scarlets on Monday.
Williams recently called time on a glittering Test career, and he believes that if North continues the way he has started, then the big 19-year-old will overtake him as Wales’ leading try-scorer.
The Scarlets flyer has already run in nine tries in his 16 Test matches so far, and Williams says that not only does North have what it takes to break his record of 60 tries in 91 Tests, but he could not possibly wish for a nicer chap to take his mantle.
He told Walesonline: “George is the person who can take on the mantle.
“He has shown even though he is very young, he can adapt to the role of a mature player.
“He has got a lot of experience already but he also has got a lot of years ahead of him. So if there is anyone who can go on and be successful, it is George. And if he goes on and beats my record, I will wish him the best because he is a top person,” added the Ospreys veteran.
Despite the fact that they get on so well off the field, there will be no love lost when the two go head-to-head in the big Pro12 Welsh – and Boxing Day – derby between the Scarlets and the Ospreys on Monday evening.
And Williams, for one, cannot wait to test himself against the young pretender to his throne.
He said: “It will be great to play against George. He would like to have the better of me on the day and we will just have to see how it goes.
“George is a fantastic player and you know you are going to have a very tough day at the office.”
The fact that the physically imposing North towers over him is not a major concern for Williams, who has always proven that he has what it takes to mix it with the best in the world over his lengthy career.
“I prefer to mark the bigger wingers and seem to do better against them. But the problem with George is that he is not only a big man, but also a clever rugby player.
“I am going to have to make sure I am on top of my game because he is coming back from injury and will be raring to go,” Williams explained.
The prolific Williams may have hung up his boots for Wales, but he plans to play for the Ospreys a while longer and revealed that he is close to signing a new contract with the Welsh region.
He revealed: “I am ready to sign but whether that is for the rest of this season or next season as well, who knows?
“It has taken me a bit more time than I had expected. But I am happy at the Ospreys and the sooner it is sorted the better.”
