Wales Wrestle with Williams Replacement

The retirement of a favourite player is always a bitter-sweet moment for sports teams. The absence of experience in a crucial position can be a major concern for managers, but the opportunity to push younger athletes onto the pitch can be a boon for any club.

With the retirement of Shane Williams, the Welsh rugby team is preparing to promote one of a new generation of superstars to the first team, but who, if anybody, will be able to fill the boots of a man whose sidestep has often been described as "devastating" to an opposition defence?

The answer, at present, remains in the realm of conjecture. Names like Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams, Morgan Stoddart, and Tom James have all been mentioned in response to the question of who will replace Williams on the wing. However, a cocktail of youth and injury has prevented the quintet spending time at number eleven. Those following the Six Nations betting should remember this.

Halfpenny, 22, a popular choice to support George North on the wing, has been moonlighting as a full-back in recent weeks, and looks set to remain in the position for Wales' Six Nations clash with Ireland, in February.

Equally, Liam Williams, 20, has been hovering around the back line at his domestic side, Scarlets. The fact that Liam has been likened to rugby legend, J.P.R. Williams, a fullback, is perhaps further evidence that the youngster will remain in defence.

Moving on; Alex Cuthbert, 21, was referred to as in "pole position" for Williams' vacant position, by Wales Online, based on the fact that the Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, favours large, powerful players on the sides; at 6ft 6in, and almost four stone heavier than Williams, Cuthbert could prove an interesting contrast to his predecessor. Fans of the rugby betting odds should bear this in mind.

Stoddart, a player who missed the World Cup courtesy of a broken leg, is the oldest of the candidates for Williams' boots, at 27-years-old. He is likely to return to the professional game in time for the Six Nations. The Scarlets player was a feature of Wales' Six Nations campaign in 2011, a record that could stand him in good stead with Gatland, in February.

Finally, Tom James has an awkward relationship with the number eleven shirt. The 24-year-old has never excelled in the position, despite preferring the wing for the Cardiff Blues, his domestic team. James has been known to lack some of the attributes demanded by the position, such as play-making.

Warren Gatland has little more than nine weeks to name Williams' successor, if Wales are to be prepared for their upcoming match with Ireland, in 2012.