Dubai: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Shane Williams believes the omission of Australia’s openside flanker David Pocock through injury could turn the tables in favour of the Lions this summer.
Speaking ahead of his boxing bout against former South Africa scrum-half Bolla Conradie at Dubai Sports City this Friday, Williams told Gulf News: “I think whoever plays No 7 for Australia is a fantastic player but Pocock is the best in the world at what he does and that is spoiling. I don’t think they have a spoiler as good as Pocock in turning balls over and slowing balls down, and just being a complete pain, and I mean that with respect.”
Williams, who made four appearances for the Lions over two tours in 2005 and 2009, as well as 87 caps for Wales, added: “I don’t think they’ve got what we have. The likes of Sam Warburton, Sean O’Brien and Justin Tipuric, who are very quick, mobile players who will get to the breakdown before the Australian back row. It’s all about who can get to the breakdown first and who can get their hands on the ball. That’s one of the key battles and I believe the British and Irish Lions have the better players for that area.”
The British and Irish Lions will play a three-Test series in Australia on June 22, 29 and July 6. If successful, it would mark their first Lions Tour series win since 1997, when they beat South Africa 2-1.
