Aled Brew can replace Shane Williams for Wales says Darren Edwards
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Wing Aled Brew is being touted as the long-term Wales replacement for Shane Williams, who retires from international rugby in December.
Dragons coach Darren Edwards believes Brew has the qualities to replace Williams in this season's Six Nations.
Brew, however, has been omitted from Wales' 28-man squad for Australia.
"Who is going to be that next left wing for Wales? I'm hoping Aled accepts that challenge and makes it his own spot," said Edwards.
"I am very disappointed for Aled because for me he is one of our outstanding performers every week.
"He has huge impact on the field and he makes things happen.
"I just hope Aled can pick up his Wales career in the future. He is 25-years-old and he has had nowhere near enough exposure. It will be just nice to see how far he can push himself."
Edwards is sure that the presence of Williams, Wales' record try-scorer, on the left wing is the reason Brew has been restricted to eight caps.
He made the cut for the World Cup squad, but was restricted to a solitary appearance against Namibia.
"He has been to a World Cup with Wales, there has been a level investment in him," added Edwards.
"In a Six Nations campaign I think he would be a dangerous player because he plays against these guys every week and very, very well.
"It would be nice to see Aled put a number of international games together and them let's make a informed decision.
"The one thing with Aled, he makes things happen."
Brew will have plenty of competition for his place with the likes of George North, Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert currently above him in the pecking order.
By contrast to Brew, Edwards was delighted to see Dragons back-rower Lewis Evans win a first call-up to a senior Wales squad.
"I thought it was absolutely fantastic. We set Lewis the challenge of responding to the performances of [Wales and Dragons flanker] Dan Lydiate," revealed Edwards.
"He went out their and proved he was up to the challenge. It's great for us that we have got another back-row player coming through of that of that quality.
"He has worked really hard and now he is realising his potential.
"Now I think Lewis has the potential to play across the whole back-row.
"He has a phenomenal work-rate. Lewis is a great rugby player and I think you will see a creative forward out there that can hopefully add to their attack."
