My rugby hero: Gareth Edwards

David Skippers

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During the 2019/20 season, we dig through the archives to highlight a hero from years gone by. Next up, it’s Wales and British and Irish Lions legend Gareth Edwards.

Player background

Sir Gareth Owen Edwards was born on 12 July, 1947 in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, a village in the borough of Neath Port Talbot, and is regarded by some as the best player ever. A scrum-half who had it all, the exceedingly talented playmaker was part of the all-conquering Wales side in the 1970s. Blessed with supreme athletic qualities, Edwards was a devastating runner, but he also excelled in pretty much every facet of the game which made him the complete package. The basics of scrum-half play (i.e. passing and kicking) were out of the top drawer while his defensive excellence and ability to make the right decisions set him apart from most of his contemporaries.

As a youngster, he was the envy of his school mates, given Edwards’ natural ability in most sports he tried. Whether it was football, gymnastics or athletics, he was a talented all-round sportsman but, as a Welshman, rugby was his first love. It proved to be the correct choice as a first international cap wasn’t long in coming after impressing for Cardiff. On 1 April, 1967, the scrum-half made his debut against France in Paris, starting a remarkable run of games.

From the beginning of his Wales career to the end, in 1978, Edwards never missed a match and helped them to a staggering run of success in the northern hemisphere. With the playmaker at the helm, they claimed the Five Nations title on seven occasions, which included three Grand Slams. To put that in context, those Grand Slam wins equals Ireland’s and Scotland’s entire tally, and just showed the dominance the Welsh had during that exceptional era.

Unsurprisingly, that form led to British and Irish Lions recognition – the pinnacle of the northern hemisphere game – and in keeping with Edwards’ career, the team’s unprecedented success coincided with him being in the XV. He only appeared twice in 1968, a series they lost to the Springboks 3-0, but three years later the scrum-half started all four Tests in their landmark 2-1 triumph over the great All Blacks. Then came the ’74 trip to South Africa where they dominated, winning 3-0, and were regarded as one of the best touring sides ever.

Edwards retired from playing in 1978 and tried his hand at a number of things, but it was in front of a camera or on the mic where he was most successful. The former Cardiff player was a team captain on the BBC’s A Question on Sport while he also commentated on the game.

His rugby moment

Gareth Edwards’ whole career was basically 12 years of continued success with Wales and the Lions, but one moment stands out above everything and it did not happen for either of those sides. While there were the trophies, the wins, the adulation and the honour of becoming the youngest ever Welsh captain at the age of 20, the thing that really left an indelible mark was his try for the Barbarians.

In 1973, during New Zealand’s tour to Europe, the All Blacks faced the invitational outfit having gone through the campaign unbeaten. They had defeated Wales, Scotland and England – keeping the Red Rose scoreless in the process – before drawing with Ireland. On 27 January, they duly headed to Cardiff Arms Park in good form and in the knowledge that they had never lost to the Baa-baas.

Although the scratch side were stacked with talent – some of the best players in Britain and Ireland made up their XV – and were coached by the man (Carwyn James) that had guided the Lions to the 1971 series triumph over the All Blacks, they ultimately lacked game time together. However, it clicked for the Barbarians. James’ magic worked once more as the vociferous crowd were treated to an absolute spectacle as the Baa-baas stunned the great New Zealanders.

Excitement had built heading into the contest and, as a result, it produced a frantic start, leading BBC commentator Cliff Morgan to state: “This is great stuff,” as Bryan Williams kicked the ball over Phil Bennett’s head and deep into the 22. The fly-half didn’t seem to have much on but he was one of the most balanced runners in the game and jinked his way past four defenders before finding JPR Williams out wide.

Welsh full-back Williams shook off a high tackle from his All Blacks namesake to pass to John Pullin and the hooker gave centre John Dawes the space to sprint clear. Dawes linked with Tom David before Derek Quinnell received ball and that was where Edwards took over. Coming from deep, the scrum-half ran a wonderful line to take Quinnell’s off-load and scorched down the left-hand side to score.

It was a thrilling moment and one which continues to be replayed as the invitational outfit opened the game’s account. They would go to score three more tries via Fergus Slattery, John Bevan and Williams to seal a stunning 23-11 victory over New Zealand.

 

British and Irish Lions