'If Wales are going to persist with a playmaker at 12, he could potentially fill that role'

Steff Emanuel has been showered with praise from two Wales centre greats after a “perfect” performance in Cardiff’s 26-0 bonus point victory away to the Ospreys.

The 20-year-old delivered a Player of the Match display in the big derby clash at St Helen’s, shining in both attack and defence from No 12.

He was a key creative figure in Cardiff’s first three tries, sending out a long pass for the opener from Tom Bowen and taking a hand in the build-up to the young winger’s scorching second, while also having two involvements in Josh Adams’ touchdown, with an initial strong carry and then a grubber kick to put the Wales star in.

Emanuel capped his night by holding Keelan Giles up over the line to deny the Ospreys a late score, keeping them to nil. In all, he put in 15 carries and 17 tackles.

Double Grand Slam centre Tom Shanklin was providing punditry on the game for Premier Sports and this is what he had to say about the young man.

“Everything he did worked really well,” he said.

“It’s the way he delivers balls late and there is a bit of a turn of pace on him as well.

“He was heavily involved in everything good that Cardiff did, both sides of the ball. He was very good in defence and brilliant in attack.

“He was probably perfect, I think.

“He showed what a class act he is. He sees things that other 12s don’t.

“This is a game where he has announced himself onto the senior stage.

“I think this is going to be his massive breakout year.”

Fellow two-times Slam-winner Jonathan Davies was also highly complimentary about Emanuel.

“He has the vision to see when the guy outside him is under pressure and then just hold it, use his footwork, carry it up and get to the gainline,” said the 96-cap ex-centre.

“It’s just a sign of someone who has time on the ball. That’s a great quality to have in the midfield.

“He sees the game, he makes the right decisions.

“At a young age, that’s a great trait to have as an upcoming player.

“If Wales are going to persist with a playmaker at 12, he could potentially fill that role in the future.”

As for the young inside centre himself, Emanuel said: “It was an unbelievable game to play in.

“It’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s the stuff you dream of as a kid.

“To come down here to St Helen’s and to win a game like that is one I’ll probably cherish for a long time.

“With the nature of rugby, you don’t know how it is going to pan out, so I just try to keep my head down, work hard and hopefully reap the rewards on a Saturday.

“When the opportunities come round, you really have to relish them.”

Emanuel’s huge talent was recognised a couple of months ago when he was named Welsh Young Player of the Year by the country’s rugby writers.

He followed the likes of Jamie Roberts, Ken Owens, Taulupe Faletau, Ellis Jenkins and Blair Murray in picking up that prestigious prize.

The award came on the back of his performances for Wales U20s – for whom he made a remarkable 23 appearances in all – and some eye-catching cameos for Cardiff.

Now he is kicking on again.

Giving his assessment of himself as a player, he says: “I like to think of myself as a run, kick, pass centre.

“I probably enjoy the attacking side of the game most, just having my hands on the ball as much as possible and being that ball player.

“But it’s also about learning that, getting into senior rugby, there are going to be times when you need to put it up the jumper, chuck it up and do the hard stuff.

“As an inside centre, you are almost that second 10, seeing the game. The 10 has got so much to see inside him, so you are almost the guy who tells him what’s going on outside.

“I am also actually starting to enjoy the defensive side. I never thought I would say that five years ago!”

Despite being only 20, Emanuel has already dipped his toe into coaching waters.

“I do a bit with Pontypridd Schools, with the U16s there, but mainly I do Llantwit Fardre Youth,” he explained.

“That’s my local club. I started coaching with the U15s two years ago and I have come up with that same crew through the age groups.

“They asked me to go on board with them and I didn’t really think twice. I absolutely love it. The boys are class, the coaches are class and the club in general is fantastic.

“It gives you a different outlook on the game, a different perspective and realising how to manage players.

“You’ve got 33 boys there that are all different and respond to things differently.

“It’s probably made me realise how hard the coaches work here at Cardiff. I am only coaching the Youth, never mind a regional side.

“So it has definitely given me a different outlook and I am enjoying it very much.”

Rugby is certainly keeping Emanuel busy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s the best job in the world, honestly,” he declares.

“I say that every day.

“I’m at my home club at Cardiff and we have a great group. It’s fantastic. I am really enjoying my time here.”