thank you so much for making and sharing this -- total delight to watch! absolutely love jonathan davies, and watching him is always a pleasure. fox davies, george north, taulupe faletau and liam williams are some of the best players i've ever seen (from a kiwi!), and i've thoroughly enjoyed the last decade or so of them. i've got hope for the next gen-rees-zammit and jac morgan especially come to mind-but i'll miss them all dearly. dan biggar too -- as much as his mouth could make rooting for him difficult at times, i don't think there's any doubt that he always gave the red jersey his all, and i think in the years to come, that'll stick out more than the less dignified moments.
Genuine world class player in his prime years. I remember that Lions tour in 2017. Maybe the last time we saw Jonathan Davies at his very very best. One of the best players I ever saw play for Wales.
Powerful hand off deceptively quick big tackler good left foot kicker great hands intelligent player everything the lions in South Africa were missing at outside centre.. Jamie Roberts and Davies were one of the most potent centre partnership in defence and attack in world rugby ..
That's the thing though Davies had pace but for some reason looked like he was jogging.. he was the complete outside centre that had everything required for success at the top level
Big game player, always seemed to perform well against the top teams, evidenced by so many highlights here featuring NZ and SA. His fend is such a weapon and he has a wonderful ability generally to break tackles.
???!!!! They were unstoppable for a decade together. 2 Grand Slams and 2 6 nations and a Lions series win. Roberts and Davies complemented each other perfectly. What an odd silly comment to make!
In his prime, he was the world’s best 13. The combination of handling, size, power, pace, and defensive awareness was unmatched. To think, that not so long ago, the Welsh midfield consisted of Jamie Roberts and Fox Davies both in their prime…
Davies and Roberts partnership would have been successful in any team in the world including all blacks .. they were a lethal combination of power , skill and rugby intelligence
As a centre the fox will always be a mythical figure within the position. He has always been close to a complete player his kicking was never really showcased and why would he when his attacking play was so effective. Defensively he is just solid and reliable. Unfortunately rn his injuries and constantly keeping him from playing as freely as he was years ago and i will cry when he eventually retires.
It was so easy to dismiss him as just another "up the middle" kind of center because he is bulky and has an awkward, not very "athletic" running style. But he possesses great vision, is able to fulfill second playmaker duties and has a very deft touch with the boot. Combined with his strong defensive prowess and his great running lines, he was very close to being a perfect 13 in my opinion.
He wasn't as complete as Jacque Fourie, Conrad Smith or O'Driscoll in his skillet but an excellent all rounder. I'd have him just after them as one the top 13's of the 2007's-2015's era, all the more impressive since they are considered all time greats.
Still get angry at Connor Murray for sliding in with his knees after Davies had scored, such a reckless act and could've caused serious damage for both.
Special player for Wales and Lions .........Love his commitment ............Absolute world class ..In probably 3 years at his pomp THE best centre in world rugby ..
I said recently just randomly watching a six nations game does anyone else miss Jonothan Davies im not even welsh but i loved the way he played the game. underrated and often forgotten nowadays.
Another fantastic player retiring,welsh supporters will have to be patient,many great players all leaving at the same time,reminds me of the early eighties,and late seventies when again players retired.
That period of 2013 to 2017 when Wales had this guy, Liam Williams, Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn-Jones, Taulupe Faletau all in their prime. What a team that was.
Quite simply the most wonderful player. How does an ungainly, fast lump turn into an all court baller? By being Welsh. England has big, fast lumps. Wales expects more, and by god did he deliver. Staying true to Welsh style with the physique of a Samoan. Love you JD, and you Welshies that make it happen, by an Englishman
Foxy one of only a few genuine world class players Wales have produced in the last couple of decades - Falatau and Sugar Shane would be my other two picks
I knew he was good but the highlights hammer that home, exceptionally strong, superb timing, fantastic skills and his main attribute - flawless decision-making
I hope they never stop the hand off,davies had an arm like a piston hitting out.I think his best try is against Ireland when he ran between 5 players none of them could tackle him because they would have hit each other,look it up.
@@geoffhiggins742 not at all an open palm that’s clearly being used as a handoff is completely legal regardless of whether it’s in the face or not if his hand is in a closed fist completely different story however that rule has been around for ever
He was a key part of a good Wales side. He was excellent defensively and good on the crashball but his passing game was lacking and he looked like a doughnut in a scrumcap.
Great player and somewhat under-rated, because he was never flashy. But somehow he'd always be in the right place, run the right line, make the right pass, hit the right tackle...all the while looking like he was barely moving 😂
The days when wales had a solid 10 and centre partner ship get Sheedy and Jarrad Evans in the Welsh team. Joe Hawkins and Grady centre, jac Morgan back healthy and falatoue number 8 at least weel have a fighting chance
Would you like to see similar videos on players in their ‘prime’? Comment down below player suggestions and the years they were at their best!
James Hook?
Could we get a prime peter stringer
Especially that 2006 Heineken cup final display
Samu Manoa early to mid 10s
Lee Byrne
@@joedubsnwubs seconded
Best 13 in the world at one point. Could go past people like they weren't there, incredible defensively, great fend. One of my favourite ever players.
I've never understood how he could run so slowly and go so fast.
This^ 😂
Or be so damn strong and look so normal.
All about timing his run and his fitness.
Conrad Smith was exactly the same
Immense player in his prime and still a formidable centre.
A complete player at 13. One of the most consistent players I've ever seen at the elite level - never seemed to make the wrong decision.
Apart from not kicking it out against England 👍🏼
@@Mikehockthong True! Just shows, nobody's perfect!
Take me back to the days when Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts were at centre
Not only that but flanked by North and Halfpenny on the wings!
@@georgeowen2553 an absolutely filthy lineup, big hitters and can go around and through pretty much any opposition.
@@georgeowen2553 Never liked Halfpenny on the wing he was never very dangerous. Great kicker and a good defender though.
@@samwiselemon6420 halfpenny on the wing was a fantastic finisher, low centre of gravity
That was one of the best centre partnership ever seen in world rugby
This all time great retired today. Thanks for the memories..
Favourite player growing up. Best 13 of the decade imo.
That generation of Welsh players where unreal full stop.from a Connaught man
thank you so much for making and sharing this -- total delight to watch! absolutely love jonathan davies, and watching him is always a pleasure. fox davies, george north, taulupe faletau and liam williams are some of the best players i've ever seen (from a kiwi!), and i've thoroughly enjoyed the last decade or so of them. i've got hope for the next gen-rees-zammit and jac morgan especially come to mind-but i'll miss them all dearly. dan biggar too -- as much as his mouth could make rooting for him difficult at times, i don't think there's any doubt that he always gave the red jersey his all, and i think in the years to come, that'll stick out more than the less dignified moments.
Genuine world class player in his prime years. I remember that Lions tour in 2017. Maybe the last time we saw Jonathan Davies at his very very best. One of the best players I ever saw play for Wales.
Powerful hand off deceptively quick big tackler good left foot kicker great hands intelligent player everything the lions in South Africa were missing at outside centre.. Jamie Roberts and Davies were one of the most potent centre partnership in defence and attack in world rugby ..
He never really looked like he had any pace, but that didn't matter because he was just so good.
Davies was deceptively quick as that cover tackle against NZ proved when Davies had a lot of ground to make up first before making the tackle
He never looked like he had any pace, despite having pace!
That's the thing though Davies had pace but for some reason looked like he was jogging.. he was the complete outside centre that had everything required for success at the top level
I think his short pitapatter stride made him difficult to tackle.
The best 13 in World rugby in his day. Mesmerising.
He was one of the standouts in the NZ tour
Big game player, always seemed to perform well against the top teams, evidenced by so many highlights here featuring NZ and SA. His fend is such a weapon and he has a wonderful ability generally to break tackles.
Beast. Gave so much for and to his country and yet people still criticised him.
The one thing I never understood about foxy is the fact he always looks like he’s moving in slow motion and not running full pelt 😂
At his prime, clearly the best centre in the world. Had he had a centre partner more dynamic than Jamie Roberts, they'd have been unstoppable.
???!!!! They were unstoppable for a decade together. 2 Grand Slams and 2 6 nations and a Lions series win. Roberts and Davies complemented each other perfectly. What an odd silly comment to make!
In his prime, he was the world’s best 13. The combination of handling, size, power, pace, and defensive awareness was unmatched. To think, that not so long ago, the Welsh midfield consisted of Jamie Roberts and Fox Davies both in their prime…
Davies and Roberts partnership would have been successful in any team in the world including all blacks .. they were a lethal combination of power , skill and rugby intelligence
As a centre the fox will always be a mythical figure within the position. He has always been close to a complete player his kicking was never really showcased and why would he when his attacking play was so effective. Defensively he is just solid and reliable. Unfortunately rn his injuries and constantly keeping him from playing as freely as he was years ago and i will cry when he eventually retires.
He really was unreal. Had the hand of god
It was so easy to dismiss him as just another "up the middle" kind of center because he is bulky and has an awkward, not very "athletic" running style. But he possesses great vision, is able to fulfill second playmaker duties and has a very deft touch with the boot. Combined with his strong defensive prowess and his great running lines, he was very close to being a perfect 13 in my opinion.
Also, great video!
He wasn't as complete as Jacque Fourie, Conrad Smith or O'Driscoll in his skillet but an excellent all rounder. I'd have him just after them as one the top 13's of the 2007's-2015's era, all the more impressive since they are considered all time greats.
Great player!! Much respect from South Africa.
What a player he is, best 13 in his prime, so consistent and with Jamie Roberts a lethal combination. (I am an English fan)
Great player but a prime o droscoll was another level and that's not a dig at Davies because he was brilliant too
Still get angry at Connor Murray for sliding in with his knees after Davies had scored, such a reckless act and could've caused serious damage for both.
My next favourite 13 after BOD 🙌
Young Jonathan Davies and Reagan King at centre with Scarlets 👌
He was insane on that 2013 lions tour.
Arm stiffer than a dead Weiner dog. Legend.
The complete 13. Quicker than you thought. Great stiff arm. Ran it straight. Joy to watch.
Foxy had one hell of a fend and was unreal on the Lions Tour in '17
Special player for Wales and Lions .........Love his commitment ............Absolute world class ..In probably 3 years at his pomp THE best centre in world rugby ..
an absolute machine and a pleasure to watch!
I said recently just randomly watching a six nations game does anyone else miss Jonothan Davies im not even welsh but i loved the way he played the game. underrated and often forgotten nowadays.
Another fantastic player retiring,welsh supporters will have to be patient,many great players all leaving at the same time,reminds me of the early eighties,and late seventies when again players retired.
@@adrianhowell968 has he retired?
His defensive game was even more impressive than his fend, line breaks and tries. Such a smart player
love Jonathan Davies!! Great Vid Andrew Forde!!
Proud to be a scarlets man brillant player and still is
Great player, and probably the best hand-off/fend ever seen.
Wonderful player. Substance over style in the best way. No weakness and made the game look ridiculously simple.
my fave Jonathan Davies was in the 2017 six nations. Fantastic displays. His kick against England will go in the vault. Unreal
2017 Lions Tour Davies was next level 🔥
Best 13 ive had the pleasure of watching for the past 10-15 years along with the phenomenal Conrad Smith.
That period of 2013 to 2017 when Wales had this guy, Liam Williams, Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn-Jones, Taulupe Faletau all in their prime. What a team that was.
Quite simply the most wonderful player. How does an ungainly, fast lump turn into an all court baller? By being Welsh. England has big, fast lumps. Wales expects more, and by god did he deliver. Staying true to Welsh style with the physique of a Samoan. Love you JD, and you Welshies that make it happen, by an Englishman
Foxy one of only a few genuine world class players Wales have produced in the last couple of decades - Falatau and Sugar Shane would be my other two picks
I knew he was good but the highlights hammer that home, exceptionally strong, superb timing, fantastic skills and his main attribute - flawless decision-making
I hope they never stop the hand off,davies had an arm like a piston hitting out.I think his best try is against Ireland when he ran between 5 players none of them could tackle him because they would have hit each other,look it up.
Just had to include North running through McFadden like he wasn't there. Always the first thing I think of when remembering North exists
Such an iconic moment I actually forget that Jon Davies scores it
Great to see him fend all those SH players on to their arse. Great hits on Barret, stopping the poster boy on his tracks
Definitely in the top three players from Bancyfelin 😉
A little village has produced 3 lions players
I don't think we'll ever see another partnership as good as the Davies/Roberts one!
he really was
Great Vid!
One of the best!
Definitely deserved the nod over BOD! At the time he was unreal
he has such a brutal handoff jeeez!!
Him and Corey Jane had the best fends I’ve seen
Corey Jane was insane for his size. Ben Foden had a nice fend too
Excellent. On dirait un Toulousain... jeu de main ... 👏👏👏
A try is awarded when the hand is on top of the ball or if the body is on top of the ball when grounded. I sighted a few unfounded tries in the clip.
We are missing a centre like this nowadays
If Sean O’Brien was a centre
His only flaw was his passing wasn't as good as it should have been
Hand offs were awesome
Prime Ben Smith video would be 👌
Wales missing his presence badly.
Legit question. With current protocols on player safety, especially the head, would some of those hands off be deemed as "contact to the face?"
I was wondering the same.
Yes, most of them. Which is completely ridiculous.
@@geoffhiggins742 not at all an open palm that’s clearly being used as a handoff is completely legal regardless of whether it’s in the face or not if his hand is in a closed fist completely different story however that rule has been around for ever
He was a key part of a good Wales side. He was excellent defensively and good on the crashball but his passing game was lacking and he looked like a doughnut in a scrumcap.
Great center 👏
Fantastic player.
I feel he he went underrated his entire career. Monster 13 he was.
He created so many great breaks for Wales and we butchered so many of them 😢
One of the best hand off i've ever seen
Did this guy ever run into Manu Tuilagi ?
That would be an interesting encounter to watch
A masterclass in hand offs!
His right fend was class
He was world class
Wonderful player ❤
Him and odriscoll at centre for the lions was a cheat code
If he could pass he would be awesome
Great player and somewhat under-rated, because he was never flashy. But somehow he'd always be in the right place, run the right line, make the right pass, hit the right tackle...all the while looking like he was barely moving 😂
His fend though!!! 😮
He was just massive and spent loads of time in the gym
What a ridiculous comment, excellent vision, running lines, hands and a left foot kicker, no appreciation for probably one of the top 10 13s ever
@@shiftybakedkidhe was just really disciplined in the gym, hate it
@@MP-mn2tu clearly know nothing about him as a player or the sport
@@shiftybakedkid 6/10 for me , decent player
One hell of a player diolch Jonathan.
He had the greatest hand-off in world Rugby.
Great player
Great player.
'Davies Fu' with those handoffs... 🙂
Still our best 13
The hand off at 0:32.😬
The fake kicks are DIRTY!
The slowest fastest player I've ever seen
Before he got injured
the fend specialist
The days when wales had a solid 10 and centre partner ship get Sheedy and Jarrad Evans in the Welsh team. Joe Hawkins and Grady centre, jac Morgan back healthy and falatoue number 8 at least weel have a fighting chance
bests stiff arm in rugby
I only clicked this because my brother's name is Jonathan Davies lol
Irreplaceable, in both red jerseys
Scarlets
Fox
The original was better.