Shane Williams etches himself in history – Rugby news update
There are players who etch themselves into sports folklore and forever they are remembered as one of the true greats – Shane Williams did just that, playing his last game for the Ospreys against the Dragons.
There was a sense of déjà vu and time stood still again in the 80th minute of the match, just like it had done on 3rd December 2011, when Shane played his last international match for Wales against Australia at the Millennium Stadium.
In both these matches, he scored a try in the 80th minute of the match, to round off a beautiful career internationally as well as at club level.
His try for Ospreys in the 80th minute, gave the Swansea based club victory with a bonus point, to ensure a berth in the play-offs. However, the rugby gods were not shinning on him for his international swansong, as the Wallabies emerged victorious
that day by a score line of 16 – 24 in their favour.
At the end of the match at the Millennium stadium in December, he said, "I've had the best time of my life," and he further added, "It's been a great journey and thank you to all the supporters." These words can be repeated again after his final match for
Ospreys.
As expected, there was a long crowd at the Liberty Stadium for his farewell game. In attendance there were 14,000 people, by far the biggest crowd of the season. As the home team soaked in the atmosphere, they did not want to disappoint those who turned
up, especially their legend, who was going to hang up his boots after the game.
Ospreys were in full control of the game, convincingly defeating the Dragons, but there was a going to be a final twist in the tale. With the game going towards the final whistle, Williams received the ball 35 metres out and in his typical fashion, like
he has done so many times, he cut inside to round off one final try for himself and all his Welsh supporters.
One chapter of his life is over and another is soon to begin. Shane Williams has desired to become a coach in the past and the legend could be back sooner rather than later, but this time on the touchline.
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