Whizzkid Johnny Williams all set for stardom says Chris Noakes
Five tries in his first six matches for the Exiles and a starring role in last week’s victory over Northampton suggest Reading-born Williams, 19, is something special.
Noakes, right, told The Rugby Paper: “If a kid’s going that well at that age you’ve got to have high hopes for him. It’s down to the crystal ball really but he’s tracking the right way and improving fast, so of course he can reach the top.
“He’s a big lump and such a strong runner. We’re simplifying things and letting him know what job we want him to do, but he’s been really good for us. He’ll only get more confident in the environment and I’m sure he has a big future.”
Irish are getting their act together after a poor start and Noakes praises the rapid impact of double World Cup winning front-rower Ben Franks. Of his fellow Kiwi, Noakes says: “It’s been a breath of fresh air to see someone like that come in and work so hard.
“We pride ourselves on that but Franksy’s been another level up and he commands respect for all he’s achieved.
“After a huge year and the massive emotional high of the World Cup it would have been natural for him to have dropped off.
“But I’d heard of his professionalism and if anyone was going to stand up and perform, it was him.
“He’s a down-to-earth guy who’s come from an environment that demands high standards, so he’s just what we wanted.”
Noakes, who joined from Auckland Blues in 2014, believes the Exiles are back on track, saying: “I hate losing and obviously we haven’t been as successful as we’d like, but confidence is high and we’re starting to back our skills.”
Andy Goode’s controversial decision to join Newcastle ahead of next Saturday’s basement shoot-out has raised hackles, but Noakes added: “I got on pretty well with him while he was at the club so I wish him well – apart from next week!”
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