The swerve

On the eve of a Grand Slam match against the French (I will be there, middle tier four rows up behind the goal posts opposite Granville's Gap) I was saddened to hear of the death of the greatest Welsh number 8 of all time, and one of the all time greats of the game: Mervyn Davies.   38 caps, two Lions Tours (including the victory against New Zealand) and only 9 losses in his international playing history.  Captain of Wales, Grand Slam winner and gentleman.  Anyone who remembers the 70s will remember this giant of a man who's ability to win, run and distribute the ball changed the nature of number 8s thereafter.  His career was brought to and end at the age of 29 when he had a brain haemorrhage while playing at the Arms Park; he would otherwise have captained the 1977 Lions. I am sure there will be a minutes silence at tomorrow's match and hopefully it will not be disturbed by the odd drunk.  Merv the Swerve deserves the tribute of an entire nation. 

“He was just a damned nuisance to play against” from Colin Meads is probably the tribute he would have wanted.   If you can watch this BBC tribute on their report today, do.