World Cup 2015: Matthew Morgan has Shane Williams 'X-factor'

12 September 2015

Rugby World Cup
Host: England Dates: 18 September-31 October
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Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson has compared Wales utility back Matthew Morgan to wing great Shane Williams.

Wilson worked with the 23-year-old last season at English Championship side Bristol and says he is the type of player who can turn games.

Morgan has just three Wales caps but has been included in Warren Gatland's World Cup squad.

"When you talk about Matthew Morgan the word 'X-factor' is extremely relevant," Wilson said.

"He's a guy who can score tries from anywhere and anything. He has phenomenal footwork and can be compared to Shane Williams.

Wales' World Cup pool games
Sunday, 20 Sept, 14:30 BST: Wales v Uruguay, Millennium Stadium
Saturday, 26 Sept, 20:00 BST: England v Wales, Twickenham Stadium
Thursday, 1 Oct, 16:45 BST: Wales v Fiji, Millennium Stadium
Saturday, 10 Oct, 16:45 BST: Wales v Australia, Twickenham Stadium

"In my mind he has to be on any coach's radar whether he's playing for you or against you.

"Matthew is more than capable of springing a surprise [at the World Cup] and could follow in the footsteps of Shane Williams."

Morgan was named 2015 Player of the Year in the second-tier English Premiership.

He is the only player in Wales' tournament squad not playing at a top-flight club or Welsh region.

But Morgan impressed in performances off the bench during Wales' warm-up Tests and captain Sam Warburton has also described Morgan as an exciting prospect.

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