Six Nations awards hail Shane Williams and Wales

Tuesday 23 March 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Six Nations > Wales

The BBC's annual 'alternative' Six Nations awards have hailed Wales and Shane Williams for producing the most stunning moments of drama in this year's competition.

In the category of 'most thrilling try', Williams had two contenders due to his excellent efforts against Scotland and France which lit up a tournament which was somewhat devoid of tries.

Awarding the honour, the BBC's Tom Fordyce commented: "For individual brilliance, Shane Williams' last-gasp dancing-feet in Cardiff against France. And for sheer I-can't-believe-it thrills, Shane's stoppage-time match-winner to snatch victory from under Scottish noses."

Wales also got the nod for the game of the tournament for the dramatic late win against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium, a match which also produced the most costly error award - this time for Scotland's Mike Blair.

"What was Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair thinking when he opted not to kick the re-start straight into touch as time ran out against Wales, with his side down to 13 men and the scores tied?" Mr Fordyce said.

The Welsh domination of the awards continued in a slightly more negative sense, with Andy Powell cleaning up for biggest misjudgement and biggest understatement due to his decision to drink drive up the M4 in the early hours of the morning and then offer an apology for his misdemeanours.

"I've done stupid things before when I've had too many sherbets, but nothing like this," Powell said.

Continuing on the Welsh theme, former player JPR Williams even managed to pick up an award for his attempts to fool police officers by putting coins in his mouth before blowing into a breathalyser after being caught drink driving.

The one non-Welshman in the honours list was French star Morgan Parra, who got the nod for player of the tournament alongside the dazzling Imanol Harinordoquy for his "dynamism, forward rumble and old-fashioned number 8 nous".

Posted by Ben Welch