‘And if you didn’t do it right, you’d know about it,’ explained Wales legend Shane Williams.
Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards had a lasting impact on his players in a hugely successful career in Welsh rugby. (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)
Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards provided legendary wing Shane Williams with crucial career-defining advice during their time together at international level, as well as “battering” him with tyres and flying elbows to get him conditioned for tackling big players.
There are a multitude of stories that pay testament to Edwards’ class in his role alongside Warren Gatland in the golden era of Welsh rugby, and Williams has paid thanks to the Englishman for his advice on containing opponents.
Edwards is a fan favourite in Welsh rugby, and prior to the appointment of new boss Steve Tandy, his name was uttered by fans across the country as a potential candidate to lead Wales into a new era. Edwards will remain in France as their defence coach for the time being, but he will be forever be remembered as a legend for his time in Wales.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Rugby podcast, Williams was interviewed by Lawrence Dallaglio, Tom Shanklin, Scott Quinell and Nolli Waterman.
Dallaglio brought up Edwards, and revealed that the northerner loved how Williams scored tries, but what he admired more was his dedication in defence.
“Shaun was a massive influence in me progressing as an overall player,” began Williams.
“When we used to defend, we used to go up straight and then push defenders. It was an outside tackle, around the legs usually, and I was comfortable with that, because there wasn’t people… Lote Taquiri’s running straight at me.
“And I could usher them to the touchline and I always had 15 to help me if I needed it, and it helps having a good 13.
“So, when he said: ‘No, you lead the charge, you stand a bit wider, you come in and blitz that outside guy, you’ve got to read it. Because if that ball goes over him to the outside guy, don’t worry about him, you can always pull out, cover, 15 is your man’.
“He said: ‘This is your channel’, and I remember being absolutely petrified. Because one – it’s Shaun Edwards telling me to do this. And if you didn’t do it right, you’d know about it.
“Bearing in mind, this is just before the Six Nations, I spent a good month where we’d be going over how I need to stand, where I need to stand, where I need to come in, how to read the game.
“If the pass is early, you can slow down a little bit because you know they’ve already made the pass.
“But, if it’s a long, looping pass and you’re up in the line, you’ve got to smash that guy.”
Williams also re-called a bizarre training drill that Edwards put him through, where the Wigan-born man would roll tractor tyres at the winger.
“He would take me to the training centre in The Vale,” began Williams.
“He had tractor tyres and he would roll them at me. I was absolutely smashed, right. If the tyres weren’t available, he would run at me.
“He would run with his elbows and everything, so if I went high, you’re walking away with a split lip or something. He absolutely battered me.
“I remember at the time, hating every second of it. And then, I’d hear the double doors to go in the barn, I used to dread it.
“Alun Wyn (Jones) walks in, or Jamie Roberts, and he’d go: ‘Jamie! Come and run at Shane for 20 minutes’, he’d literally give them the ball and it was like – bang! Over the top of me – bang!
“Tackle, tackle, miss the tackle. Get back up, let’s do it again. I got absolutely pummeled. I hated it with a passion, but we went into that Six Nations, and I got to the point where I was so comfortable – Vainikolo playing, these big lumps for England – and I was thinking, I actually like this.
“It means that I’m up in the face of the defender. I’m not allowing him to run at me. It kind of suits me!”
Part of Edwards’ unique persona is his stern and straight-talking approach to coaching, earning huge respect from players across the board.
The 58-year-old is currently defence coach of France, but there could have been a very a different version of events where he remained in Wales.
To put it simply, Edwards wanted a guarantee for his future, and was asking for a four-year contract with no break clause. The Welsh Rugby Union could not make an exception for Edwards, having offered two-year contracts to Pivac and the rest of the coaching ticket.
France offered him a four-year contract, the rugby league legend accepted and left Welsh rugby.