Steff Emanuel is showered with praise from two Wales center big after a “perfect” performance in Cardiff’s 26-0 bonus-point win away to the Ospreys.
The 20-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance in the big St Helena derby, shining in both attack and defense from the No.12.
He was a key creative figure in Cardiff’s first three tries, sending in a long pass for the opener from Tom Bowen and getting 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 powerful carry and then a rough kick to put the Wales star through.
Emmanuel capped his night by holding Keelan Giles over the line to deny Ospreys late score, keeping them at nil. In total, he threw in 15 performances and 17 tackles.
Two-time Grand Slam center Tom Shanklin was providing in-game commentary for Premier Sports and this is what he had to say about the youngster.
“Everything he did worked really well,” he said.
“It’s the way he delivers balls late, and he has a bit of a turn of pace.
“He was very involved in everything Cardiff did well, on both sides of the ball. He was very good in defense and brilliant in attack.
“He was probably perfect, I think.
“He showed what a classic act he is. He sees things other 12s don’t.
“This is the game in which he announced himself in the senior scene.
“I think this is going to be his big breakout year.”
Another two-time Slam winner Jonathan Davies also praised Emanuel.
“He’s got the vision to see when the guy outside of him is under pressure, and then he just holds him, uses his footwork, carries him and gets the gain,” the former 96-captain center said.
“It’s just a sign of someone who has time on the ball. That’s great quality in midfield.
“He sees the game, makes the right decisions.
“At a young age, that’s a great trait for a future player.
“If Wales are persistent with the playmaker at 12, he could potentially take over that role in the future.”
As for the young inside center himself, Emanuel said, “It was an amazing game to play.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but these are the things you dream about as a kid.
“To come here to St Helen’s and win a game like that is something I will probably cherish for a long time.
“With the nature of rugby, you don’t know how it’s going to turn out, so I’m just trying to keep my head down, work hard and hopefully reap the rewards on Saturday.
“When opportunities arise, you really have to enjoy them.”
Emmanuel’s immense talent was recognized a few months ago when he was named Wales Young Player of the Year by the country’s rugby writers.
He followed Jamie Roberts, Ken Owens, Taulupe Faletau, Ellis Jenkins and Blair Murray in receiving the prestigious award.
The award came on the back of his performances for Wales U20s – for whom he made a remarkable 23 appearances in total – and several impressive cameos for Cardiff.
Now he’s moving again.
Assessing himself as a player, he says, “I like to think of myself as a run, kick, pass center.
“I probably enjoy the attacking side of the game the most, just getting my hands on the ball as much as possible and being that player.
“But it’s also about learning that, coming into senior rugby, there’s going to be times when you’re going to have to get it up on the jumper, kick it out and do the tough stuff.
“As an inside center, you’re almost the other 10, watching the game. The 10 has so much to see inside, so you’re almost the guy telling him what’s going on outside.”
“Also, I’m actually starting to enjoy the defensive end. I never thought I’d say that five years ago!”
Although he is only 20 years old, Emanuel has already dived into the coaching waters.
“I do a bit of work with Pontypridd schools, with the U16s there, but mostly I do Llantwit Fardre Youth,” he explained.
“It’s my local club. I started coaching with the U15s two years ago and I’ve come through the age groups with the same crew.
“They asked me to go with them and I didn’t think twice. I absolutely love it. The lads are class, the coaches are class and the club in general is fantastic.”
“It gives you a different view of the game, a different perspective and an understanding of how to manage players.
“You have 33 boys there who are all different and react to things differently.
“I probably realized how hard the coaches work here in Cardiff. I only coach the youth, nothing to do with the regional team.
“So it’s definitely given me a different perspective and I’m really enjoying that.”
Rugby certainly keeps Emanuel busy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Honestly, it’s the best job in the world,” he declares.
“I say that every day.
“I’m at my home club in Cardiff and we’ve got a great group. It’s fantastic. I’m really enjoying it here.”
