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Adams has all the credentials to be a Test Lion says Walker

First Team News | 4th December 2020


Nigel Walker says that Cardiff Blues and Wales wing, Josh Adams, has all the credentials to become a British and Irish Lion for next summer's Test Series in South Africa.

The Cardiff Blues board advisor certainly knows what it takes to be a top class wing, with the former hurdler dazzling for Cardiff and Wales during the 1990's and remaining a fan favourite at the Arms Park.

Adams has an impressive eight tries in 10 appearances since joining Wales' Capital Region last summer, while his strike rate on the international stage led him to become the top try scorer at last year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

But Adams' game is more than just clinical finishing. Walker has been impressed by his complete skill-set and adores his win-at-all-cost attitude for both club and country.

"I think there is a pretty strong argument to be made that Josh Adams has been the best wing in the world over the last 18 months or so," said the former Wales and Cardiff wing. 

"Certainly, his try-scoring record for club and country has been exemplary and his enthusiasm has been infectious.

"I think he has already shown he’s got every chance of going on the Lions tour and I think he can go on to be a starting wing on that tour as well.

"If he’s not quite Wayne’s first name on the teamsheet, I would say Adams is still pretty close to it.

"He’s got all the skills to be a Test Lion in South Africa. He goes inside, he goes outside, and when he really goes, he goes. He has been exceptional and I don’t use that world lightly.

"He’s got great ball skills, he’s aggressive, superb in the air, and has a very sound defensive game. He’s got everything you want in a top level Test wing.

"The other thing I like about him is that sometimes when people have had rave reviews on the international scene, they don’t quite match their enthusiasm at international level when they’re back at club level.

"But from what I’ve seen, Josh gives 100 per cent whichever jersey he’s wearing and that’s a credit to him."

On the opposite wing for Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup finale is Louis Rees-Zammit. The Gloucester star has enjoyed a breakthrough year, and his club form earned him a Welsh debut earlier in the autumn.

Walker reveals that Rees-Zammit, who featured for Cardiff Blues' age grade sides before making a move to Hartpury College, puts him on the edge of his seat and is excited by Wales' wing partnership.

“There has been a buzz about Louis for some time and it’s been great to see him make the breakthrough," added the former Olympian.

“What I like about him is he shows wing play is not all about sheer weight or strength. It’s about dynamic power and he’s got loads of that.

“If he continues his rate of progress, just imagine how good he’s going to be by the time he’s 22 or 23, with Josh still on the other wing.

“It’s a very exciting combination and I’m looking forward to watching them develop, score lots of tries, and create lots of excitement for Wales.”