Book Review: Great Welsh Number 10s

GREAT NUMBER TENS COMPARED

Welsh outside-halves over the years

Outside half? Fly half? Stand off? Pivot? First five-eighth?

Wearers of the number 10 jersey has long been the object of adulation. Frank Keating’s 1993 book on the subject looked across the world spectrum to “Those who strut their stuff in livery numbered 10”. A new book by Lynn Davies is devoted entirely to players who have worn that jersey for Wales during the period 1947 to 1999.

Arguments on the best have raged over the years and comparisons are offered on the respective merits of exciting and accomplished players like Billy Cleaver and Glyn Davies, Cliff Morgan and Carwyn James, Barry John and Dai Watkins, Phil Bennett and John Bevan and Jonathan Davies and Malcolm Dacey.

The author quotes Alun Richards’ division of players into two broad categories: the instinctive versus the duellist, “the one with a cool insouciant grace, the other wound up like a spring”. The reader is provided with individual examples in each category.

In the early 90’s along came Neil Jenkins, first of the modern breed of fly-halves with strong defensive skills, a wider eye for ball retention and excellent flat pass distribution. Outside breaks, sidestepping and jinking became lost arts in the modern game as space for adventurous outside-halves disappeared.

As many as 31 players are included, among them Malcolm Thomas, Bleddyn Williams and Alun Thomas, better known as centre three-quarters but each with at least one game at fly-half for Wales. Clive Rowlands has provided a foreword.

Anecdotes abound in such an anthology. There are stories of the nefarious activities of Rugby League scouts in the days when South Wales was an attractive recruiting area. There is a quote from Cliff Morgan’s first selection letter from the WRU [“Do you wish to borrow a pair of shorts?”] and reference to Mark Ring’s back-heeled conversion attempt against London Welsh that saw him banned from further kicking duties with the Cardiff club. Also recounted are the miserly reduction by zealous officials of mileage claims by as little as sixpence [2½p].

Greatest outside-half of them all? The author claims that, were rugby followers throughout Wales to be balloted, it is likely that the winner would be the man who figures on the cover of this latest offering – Barry John.

The book is another welcome addition to the rugby-lover’s library shelves, both as a fund of stories and as a source of reference.

“Great Welsh Number 10s” by Lynn Davies

published by Lolfa @ £9.95   ISBN 978 1 84771 708 5

Review by BARRI HURFORD

Secretary, Welsh Rugby Writers

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The Man who changed the face of Rugby

Biography of John Dawes and the legendary 1971 British Lions

This latest addition to the rugby-lover’s library was mainly written immediately after the victorious British Lions’ return from their tour of New Zealand, where they accomplished something achieved neither before nor since, a series victory. Coinciding with the latest series win by the Lions, this time in Australia, author Ross Rayburn has brought it up to date with a postscript detailing the Dawes legacy.

The claim made in the title is justified. Variously described as “a cutting-edge professor of the game” [Stephen Jones of the Sunday Times], “ a tactical genius” [Cliff Morgan] and “the greatest captain ever encountered” [Barry John], John Dawes made his initial impact when transforming London Welsh rfc into the most glamorous club in Britain, playing a brand of rugby football that put emphasis on fitness, on running rugby and on creation of overlaps to put width on the game in a way not seen before.

This refreshing approach was carried through to Welsh teams that Dawes captained and then into the Lions squads of 1971 and 1974. In New Zealand, he once witnessed a 12-year old boy being berated for selling a dummy and jinking past an opponent rather than performing the standard drill of running into contact and creating ball for the forwards. This was anathema to SJD but present-day watchers of the game will recognise this as something they are required to watch for many tedious hours, a sign that play has fallen back into bad habits since the Dawes era.

So huge does the author consider to be the contribution made by this man from Chapel of Ease in Gwent that he claims for him a more important place in historical terms than legends like Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Gerald Davies, JPR Williams and Mervyn Davies. In 1971, John Dawes led London Welsh to its best ever season, captained Wales to a grand slam and guided the Lions to their historic series win in NZ.

And who can forget his part in Edwards’ “try of the century” for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at Cardiff in 1973?

At international level, he had a chequered history and was dropped by the Welsh selectors a number of times during his career. As a coach and coaching organiser, his record was uneven. But as a captain he was peerless; he was the quiet man who got things done.

It is John Dawes [Syd to all those who played alongside him] who is given credit by the author as being responsible for the sea change in British rugby’s fortune in the early 1970’s. He was the man who made British rugby lose its inferiority complex.

His outstanding 1971 Lions’ tour is seen in this book as “a Messianic journey which preached the London Welsh gospel”. Although we are currently obtaining some pleasing results at international level, perhaps we are again in need of a new Messiah in Welsh rugby.

“John Dawes and the legendary British Lions” [written by Ross Reyburn] is published by Lolfa with ISBN no 978 184771 706 1

BARRI HURFORD

Secretary, Welsh Rugby Writers

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Book Review: Wales Play in Red

Admittedly, I might be slightly behind the times, but last week I finally picked up Carolyn Hitt’s book ‘Wales Play in Red’. These are the rugby diaries of the Western Mail columnist as she journeys through the highs and lows of Welsh Rugby, from the year 1999 through to the Welsh Grand Slam in 2012.

 The writing is engaging and the chapters are perfectly sized for the more attentionally challenged, and are brought to life with images from Huw Evans Photo Agency, as well as snaps from Hitt's personal rugby days and nights out.

The book is separated into eight chapters, each one focusing on a moment or characters that have moulded and transformed the Welsh rugby landscape over recent years. From the despondency and utter devastation of receiving the wooden spoon in 2003, to the euphoria of three Grand Slams in seven years with a fair few controversies thrown in along the way, this book captures all of the highs and lows of Welsh rugby of the past decade and a half.

The timeline of 'Wales Play in Red' perfectly transcends my memories of rugby from early childhood until present day, and reading some of the great moments in recent times made me relive some of the most memorable days/nights out I have enjoyed. 

Carolyn’s eloquent style and passion for the game shines through in this 176-page Welsh Rugby exposition. However, if you are looking for an out and out sports book, this is not it. There will be no overkill on stats and for the most part, the actual 80 minutes on the pitch takes a back seat to the many characters Hitt has met during her rugby journey, focusing instead on the extraordinary people that follow Wales around the world: such as Cath Jenkins a referee from Porth, or the female Max Boyce impersonators, to the people behind the players themselves, the ‘Rugby Mams’, June Jones (Adam Jones) and Morfydd Phillips (Mike Phillips).

It is no doubt that for many, following Welsh Rugby and the Lions overseas is a modern day pilgrimage. ‘They say it’s like the war in Kenfig Hill- there isn’t a man left’ ‘The first banner I saw 12,000 miles from home declared Gilfach Goch Wine Bar’. There clearly is something about the oval ball game that brings out a certain religious experience for the supporters while watching their men in red, whether they are putting us through hell or taking us to heaven.

I especially enjoyed the chapters where Hitt is following the Welsh or Lions teams - I must admit, reading Hitt’s exploits around the globe made me more than a little envious and to be fair, I think a rugby night out with Ms. Hitt is definitely going on my to do list!

Another great read is the third chapter ‘Me and Max Down Under’, where the reader is given an insight into the Welsh lyrical legend that is Max Boyce before his sold out gig at Sydney Opera House in 2003 and the Rugby World Cup.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the chance to relive the rugby memories that are etched into my mind through someone else’s words and eyes. My one disappointment is that it was published too early: a certain 30-3 would have made a fabulous closing chapter.

As a female writing about rugby in Wales, I feel I must pay homage to Carolyn Hitt for taking the first tentative steps into the still very much male dominated arena of a rugby press box.

Unsurprisingly, Hitt perfectly sums up the pride I feel about Wales and rugby in a few short lines: "Writing about rugby is writing about Wales itself. Its red thread is woven into the fabric of our identity. That's why I love writing about this game so much.”

ISBN: 9781848515642

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'The Heart and Art of my Rugby Photography' Review

I received Paul Hart's 'The Heart and Art of My Rugby Photography' to review and I was immediately impressed by the 288 page hardback. The old cliché of 'never judge a book by its cover' doesn't ring true with this book - the layout and cover is very inviting to the eye and I was immediately intrigued at what pictures lay beyond.

As you delve inside, it is clear to see that Hart has immense talent with the lens and truly captures some outstanding images. Since the London Olympics, grassroots sport in Wales - and indeed the UK - has come under much closer scrutiny, especially in regards to how authorities can get more people involved in sport. Without people like Hart, who go out on Saturday afternoons - regardless of weather - to document and record, the bare bones of this great game could become inconspicuous all too quickly.

The book is separated into two main sections: Rugby Action and Rugby People, with both of these divided into a number of sub sections.
In the Action section, my favourite pictures tend to come from 'Action favourites' and 'Rugby hits' as, as Hart rightly states in the intro, due to the nature of shooting live sport, you never get the same shot twice and that intensity is evident.

In the Action section, the opening photo (see above) of Wick captain Joe Barnes tackling his Bridgend Sports opposition is a particular highlight of mine. Indeed, the shot could come straight from a high-end sports advert - Barnes' unequivocal determination is captured perfectly in his face; as he takes down the opposition, his forearm reads 'No half measures'. Another brilliant shot captures Sports player Pete Roberts on his way to score in photo 010, the elation on both his and those faces of the supporters behind him embodies the unprecedented joy rugby can bring.

The Hits section definitely lives up to the billing 'Rugby isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport' with picture 035 my pick. This particular photo shows Jamie Lorimer putting a would-be tackler to the floor, the pure aggression on his face coupled with the SW Police player mid-air drew my attention time and again.

 ‘The highs and lows’ section for me epitomises the game completely. The entire chapter captures what sport and indeed rugby is all about: taking the highs with the lows and enjoying playing the game you love - be it union or league - with the sections 'favourite faces', smile for the camera' and 'celebrations' particularly emotive in this regard. The 'Big Hitters' section is full of characters who I wouldn't fancy bumping into in a dark alley - photo 173 capturing Lee 'Stella' Steelmach of Bridgend Sports my photo of the section.

Being from the Bridgend area and an active member of grassroots rugby through playing, coaching and refereeing, I was pleased to see grounds and people I recognised in the rugby vitals section of the book.

All in all, I think the book would make an ideal gift for any grassroots rugby enthusiast in Wales. It is a picture book by design, but functions on a much deeper level than just a collection of photographs: it tells the story of players and clubs involved and you also go on a personal journey with Hart through his pictures. As a nation, we are extremely passionate and perhaps this is why we love rugby so much and that passion and energy is perfectly conveyed in this book; the elation of winning, the heartache of loss, that collision of two people trying to impose their will on another.

If there is one small criticism I have of the book it would be the locality; I would have liked to have seen a wider array of areas and people covered. That being said, however, you have to acknowledge the great work Hart has done, not only in covering these matches but also getting the book published, enabling him to share the great relationships he has built that has ultimately helped to make such unique rugby photos possible.

 Packed with pictures from both codes of rugby, it is priced at just £20 - You can buy ‘The Heart and Art of My Rugby Photography’ here 

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'Shadow' The Dai Morris Story- Review

“Shadow” was the nickname bestowed on Dai Morris by Gareth Edwards because of the support his flanker could always provide and that is the title of a new book compiled by writer and broadcaster Martyn Williams.

Morris is one of the great unsung heroes of Welsh rugby and this biography of him is long overdue, as those who gathered in Rhigos rugby club for the book launch – including WRU president Dennis Gethin and entertainer Max Boyce - all agreed.

The last of his type, putting in a shift underground before turning up for international matches, Dai Morris was described by former Wales captain Clive Rowlands as “the perfect rôle model”.

In the book, he comes across not just as the ideal rugby player but also as a one-man animal rescue unit as well as one-time racehorse owner. He is revered in the village of his birth as the doyen of Rhigos rugby football club, the club for whose re-emergence after the war years he was mainly responsible.

So engrossed with his home was Dai Morris that on tours outside the UK his watch was always set to Rhigos time so that he would know exactly what was going on in the village. This self-confessed weakness, a dislike of being away from home, may have been a contributory reason why he was not chosen to join the winning Lions’ 1971 tour of New Zealand.

Reference is made to the near-telepathic understanding between Baz, Shadow and Swerve - John Taylor and Morris, with Merv Davies at no 8 - which of its era was the most potent back row combination in rugby. The job of the flankers was to make the opposition turn inside where Merv would invariably be waiting.

So uncomplicated was the man that, called up for his first cap to replace the injured Alun Pask in Paris, he had to report that he had no passport. With no wish to fly, he eventually made his way by boat to link up with the team.

Nevertheless, he has some trenchant views on modern rugby: “now more about retention than exploitation”.

Winner of 34 Wales caps and similarly proud of his 414 games for Neath, Dai Morris was every inch the working class hero. Tributes from contemporaries including Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies, John Dawes, Barry John and Phil Bennett are included in this highly entertaining biography.

ISBN: 9781847714862

Review Courtesy of Barri Hurford

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