we all agree speed is key for a winger. I'm obviously not saying bulk over everything else, obviously quickness, mobility and flat out speed are essential and the things that'll make the difference...
But as awesome as little Shane was, or guys like Dominici or Bernat-Sales back in the day, I'm not sure that type would be all that appreciated nowadays. Now granted Shane Williams just retired recently and was part of the 2011 RWC for e.g. so he's not part of the "old generation" really or what not, but Rugby is moving with giant steps towards bulk and power throughout a XV, and I do definitely believe those shorter although very fast guys will become more of an odd rarity as time goes on.
Again, Marc Andreu is fkn 1m65 and 75kg, can you imagine that ? And he was picked in the last 6N as a possible backup for the XV de France who aren't exactly lacking talent at the wing.
But it comes with a price. He does have bulk and a super low center of gravity and then blazing speed, but others in his vicinity will have to make up for his lacks elsewhere in his game whereas a Yoann Huget+Benjamin Fall combo would hold its own, on its own.
And a winger isn't "supposed to run over people" and is supposed to be smart and all that, it's all true. But I was watching last week's Round 7 Hurricanes v Crusaders last night and Savea's power is irreplaceable. He was just throwing the likes of Dagg into the stands and committing carnage in that red defense.
I'm not saying that's the only way to go for wingers (Andreu is a fantastic winger still, or Vincent Clerc), and obviously Savea's not just a mindless brute but in Rugby when you can move forward consistently, be a constant tackle-breaking threat and have enough power to move people out of the way and have 2-3 defenders commit to you, that can never be overlooked and most Rugby fans won't admit this because they feel it demeans and over-simplifies a more complex reality of the sport, but it's just a limpid, rigid fact.
Savea's the best winger in the world, and it's got lots to do with those 1m93 and 110kg. He's a tremendous talent, has good technical control and a nose for this sport/a good Rugby IQ, but then there's that power and it's no minor detail.