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Wales Online
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Katie Sands

Louis Rees-Zammit 'destined for greatness' as he blows everyone away on eve of Wales v All Blacks

Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit was at the heart of everything good as his side Gloucester recorded a 38-22 Gallagher Premiership victory over Exeter Chiefs a week out from the All Blacks' visit to Cardiff.

The Wales wing scored one try and made another with an audacious pass for captain Lewis Ludlow as Gloucester reeled off their fourth successive Premiership victory and climbed to third in the table. Even a defence as well-organised and efficient as Exeter's struggled to contain Rees-Zammit, such was his game-breaking quality.

Austin Healey, on commentary duties, believes the 21-year-old Cardiff native is "destined for greatness", and few would disagree.

"Louis is working so hard on his all-round game," Gloucester head coach George Skivington said. "For me, the magical moments are great - he is gifted - but the hard work he is putting into defence, kick-chase, all the stuff that will make him a world, world-class winger is what is really impressive. The nearer the ball he is, the more happens.

"He is a good kid, a humble kid. He is getting a lot of attention and he will be getting things thrown at him - all sorts of deals and what not - but he is very focused on what he is doing, he loves being here and being part of the team. He has got a good group around him.

"He has never moaned, never griped about anything. He is very happy to be challenged, and I am very happy to challenge him."

As for Healey's prediction that Rees-Zammit may well develop into one of the finest wingers we have ever seen, Skivington told BT Sport: "Absolutely correct. He's got all the potential in the world to be an absolute superstar. The good thing with Zam, particularly this year but over the last year or so, is that he's working so hard on the bits of the game that aren't the highlight reel moments. If you watch him defensively, the way he chases kicks, getting to people, that stuff is outstanding."

The Lions tourist and player of the match laughed when told of Healey's praise, smiling as he said: "It may be a bit soon, I'm only 21! I've got a lot to work on but I appreciate it."

Rees-Zammit will now head to Autumn Nations Series duty and a Wales appointment with New Zealand in Cardiff next Saturday. On the prospect of facing the All Blacks, he said: "I can't wait. That's going to be another tough challenge. I've never played against the All Blacks so I'm very excited."

Before his TV interview came to a close, he added: "I just want to thank the Gloucester fans, they were huge for us, and hi mum and dad!"

Broadcaster Sonja McLaughlan said: "LRZ is a star. Player like him should be on posters plastered around Cardiff in build up to autumn tests. Market the hell out of him to appeal to instagram/Tik Tok generation."

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