Shane Williams’ column: Jonathan Davies’ loss more disruptive than Manu Tuilagi’s

With fewer than 100 days until the World Cup, Stuart Lancaster will be far happier than Warren Gatland is right now about his options. Both coaches have lost a big-name centre in Manu Tuilagi and Jonathan Davies but there is little doubt which is the bigger blow.
England have learned to live without Manu but Davies was central to the Welsh attack.
In some ways I feel sorry for Manu. He’s a nice lad and people forget that he is still a young guy. In some ways, he still has a lot of growing up to do.
We all remember the incident with him jumping off a boat in Auckland during the last World Cup.
And now he will miss out altogether for his country. Not just any international, but a World Cup on home soil. It was the chance of a lifetime.
Personally, I always judge players on what they do on the pitch, rather than off it. I’ve seen enough pranks and shenanigans in my time to know players are usually just letting off steam.
Warren Gatland has always been a very forgiving coach. Guys like Andy Powell, Mike Phillips and Gavin Henson have all been handed an olive branch by the coach.
But once police were involved, as in Manu’s case, the decision was probably no longer in Lancaster’s hands.
Manu has been a sensation for England but in his absence, Jonathan Joseph proved himself at Test level during the Six Nations. And England also have Brad Barritt back in contention.
I played with Brad with the 2013 Lions, against the Brumbies, and he does exactly what it says on the tin. He is tough, physical and one hell of a defender. He is totally committed the cause and that is why coaches love him.
Clearly Joseph is the complete opposite. Exciting in attack, he was one of the stars of the Six Nations.
He may have been exposed a couple of times in defence, but has been in wonderful form for Bath and that, in my book, means he deserves to keep his England jersey.
For Wales, Warren Gatland will have to wrap Scott Williams in cotton wool until September with the loss of key man Davies. It will also mean some adjustment for Jamie Roberts.
Scott is the obvious choice but after him, there is a big gap in experience to the next option. Tyler Morgan and Cory Allen have shown promise but have four caps between them.
George North is an option and Welsh fans want to see him on the ball far more. But he doesn’t look completely comfortable in that position, so keep him on the wing.
I also think most Welsh fans would prefer to see George Ford on the bench, rather than Owen Farrell.
England have a big decision to make at fly-half that will affect their whole style of game and approach to the tournament.
From the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge, I would prefer to face Farrell. He is more predictable in attack than Ford and defences like to know what’s coming their way. They will have already worked out how to deal with that before even stepping on the pitch.
Farrell is also far more temperamental than his rival and I know the likes of Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb would love to try and wind him up.
But Ford offers a different dimension. He is so dangerous in the 10-12 channel that he really keeps defences on their toes.
He was thrown in the deep end at international level but looked so comfortable and has had a great season with Bath. Right now, he must be first choice for England.
England also have so many options out wide it is staggering. Even Christian Wade can’t get into the squad.
That was a surprise to me because I’m a fan. Christian offers something totally different, a throw-back to the days of Jason Robinson with his foot-work and speed.
Jonny May also has some real gas but I would stick with Anthony Watson. He is still learning at Test level – but he’s learning fast – and has both strength and pace.
I would also love to see Chris Ashton back in an England shirt. Like a striker in football, he is a natural finisher.
I know he sometimes does crazy things that must leave fans with their head in their hands, but when he is fully focused and on his game, there are not many better try-scorers around.
He looks like he has really worked hard and I was pleased for him that he was back in the squad. I really think he could make something of a comeback in the next few months.