While everyone is currently marveling at the speed and try ratio of Rees-Zammit, the coming man in 2016 was definitely teenage sensation Giles.
The Ospreys youngster was called out to New Zealand that year by Warren Gatland, was given a seat the bench against Japan and then made the squad for the summer tour to face Tonga and Samoa in 2017.
He was on the fast track to the top, only to find his path blocked by two serious knee injuries. No wonder, then, he was relieved to finally notch a half-century of appearances for his home region last night in the regional derby against the Dragons.
It may have taken him the best part of five years – he turned 24 at the end of January – but he is just happy to be back playing and fully fit once again.
“It was a huge achievement for me to reach 50 games because I’d been waiting for it for a while,” said Giles, who underwent knee surgery in October 2019 after picking up an injury against Benetton Rugby.
“It was tough and the fact COVID kicked in made a little bit harder for my recovery this time, but the physios at the Ospreys were a fantastic support to me. Some of the rehab was over Facetime and there was always social distancing to contend with, but they did a great job with me.
“There were a few little bits of doubt that crept into my mind about whether or not I’d make it back, especially in the early stages after the operation, but I’m a pretty positive guy. The fact I’d been through it all once before made it a bit easier this time round – I knew I was able of getting through it.”
When he first burst onto the scene he was being tipped for great things after scoring 11 tries in his first seven senior matches. Then disaster struck for the first time when he smashed his knee in a collision with Ashton Hewitt in a derby clash against the Dragons in 2017.
That led to a year out of the game, as did his last knee problem. It meant he has spent much of the past three years on the sidelines. But a try against Ulster last weekend in his first 80 minute display since 2019 provided ample proof he is on the road back.
“I want to get a run of games, push for a starting spot at the Ospreys and then see where that takes me. I don’t think I’ve lost any of my pace,” said Giles.
Just as well given the speed that Rees-Zammit and Adams are currently able to generate in the Welsh team. Can he become a serious challenger to them?
“It was great to be in and around the Welsh squad in the past. Louis is a young guy who has taken his chances really well, got the starting spot and scored a couple of special tries,” he added.
The race is well and truly on!
