Why Wales have cause for hope in Paris
- 22 Feb 07, 08:16 AM
Cardiff 鈥 I don鈥檛 think England鈥檚 rugby players know how lucky they are sometimes.
Sure they鈥檝e been rightly pilloried for that insipid performance against Italy, but they ought to pay their 拢5.10 and spend some time on this side of the .
Then they鈥檇 know exactly what when you live in an oval-shaped goldfish bowl.
It鈥檚 interesting to see how quickly a team dubbed by some as potential Grand Slammers before the opener against Ireland can attract two games later. It鈥檚 either feast or famine when it comes to the national team - the middle line is rarely popular.
This week鈥檚 main Welsh media conference ahead of the trip to Paris was a very early-morning affair.
Guests at the smart hotel in the Glamorgan countryside were still making their bleary-eyed way down to breakfast as Gareth Jenkins and were being kippered by assorted pens, notebooks, microphones and TV cameras.
The mood in Wales since the retreat from Edinburgh has been understandably glum.
The team haven鈥檛 scored a try in what feels like several years, after losing their way in Scotland (even Jones has been axed, ) and questions to coach and captain centred around how a team who鈥檝e been useless so far could possibly avoid a right-old at the Stade de France?
There are one or two things that strike me. It was unlikely Wales were going to repeat their success of 2005 this season. Anyone who suggested otherwise beforehand was either an eternal optimist or deluded.
And while seven team changes suggests a lack of continuity at best and an element of panic at worst, it鈥檚 worth looking at the alterations in a bit more detail.
The pack of forwards that took the game to Ireland and deserved better, have been largely re-united.
Gareth Jenkins has admitted he got the strategy all wrong in Edinburgh.
Matthew Rees for Rhys Thomas is the only change to the eight that outperformed the Irish.
He鈥檒l have Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman either side to provide a stable platform against a powerful French scrum.
In the second row Alun-Wyn Jones remains an outstanding prospect.
Watch him charge around in training in you鈥檒l see someone playing with the enthusiasm of a 10-year-old.
He鈥檚 made astonishing progress over the last 18 months and while his long-term future - especially when Ian Evans is fit again - might be as a blindside flanker, he and Ian Gough will expect a much tidier Welsh line-out.
And while there have been plenty lobbying for a Colin Charvis re-call, watch the performance of the back row again against Scotland and tell me Alix Popham or Martyn Williams deserved to be dropped.
Elsewhere, the back line picked for Paris is beginning to have much more of a 鈥渇irst-choice鈥 ring about it.
It鈥檚 hard to imagine Tom Shanklin, Shane Williams or Mark Jones squandering the amount of possession and the kind of opportunities Wales enjoyed on the opening Sunday.
It鈥檚 a shame Kevin Morgan鈥檚 missing, but Lee Byrne will be no shy, retiring violet on Saturday evening.
It was also intriguing to see Gavin Henson and Gareth Thomas galloping around with the rest of them at Sophia Gardens. I suspect, sadly, Henson might spend the rest of the championship holding tackle bags, but what price a Thomas return against Italy once his suspension鈥檚 been served?
So while I鈥檓 not suggesting we鈥檙e about to enjoy a repeat of the heroics that captivated us all in Paris two years ago, I refuse to believe I鈥檓 the only one who reckons things aren鈥檛 quite as bleak as one or two would have us believe at the moment.
Wales 27-18 England
Comments Post your comment
I agree with Nick. We've still got a good team/squad that can produce a win. Now that Shanklin and Williams are back I expect our attacks to be a lot more dangerous.
Wales to win on Saturday!
Complain about this post
The team looks strong on paper, but the backline, though well armed with experience at the highest level, is short of game time. The front five will need to be on top form to control the set pieces and the back row boys will be heavily challenged at breakdown. I do not think we can place too much hope in victory, but I can sense that a performance to restore a bit of pride is on the cards. Come on lads! Pob Luc!!!
Complain about this post
dude
you're pretty self-deluded. wales will get completely trousered on saturday.
Complain about this post
As an irish supporter, i hope that Wales do France good and proper, nothing to do with bitterness over Croke. They won, and it's over. For Wales, they need a huge performance to lift them back to the form they know they can produce. The public haven't helped the coach to pick the team but have been more a hindrance to the preparations of the side. You could see a pop at the supporting public if Wales have an epic against the French. Lots of finger pointing. I hope not. Not only that if Wales topple the French, and Ireland beat England. It's all level bar the points diff. C'mon Wales, bit o pride! Allez les Rouges!!
Complain about this post
Wales suffers from the same problems that Scotland and Ireland do and to some extent Italy. If each tem could put out it鈥檚 first 15 after a good training period they would be a match for anyone and even be world cup winners. Take away some of the first choice 15 and they is often no real depth of players we can call on. England France have the luxury of a far bigger pool of players and should never be hard pushed to produce a good team.
Wales has one other big disadvantage, if they slip up the hold of Wales seems to turn on them鈥︹︹nd that is not fair! How can the team be expected to perform when they feel that they will be damned if they do and damned if they don鈥檛 and only get praise if they win everything. The press seem to be able to destroy or build a team so why are they always out for blood. If the armchair players and coaches are so good why are they not out there doing the job!
So if you are a real Welshman / woman support support support, 鈥.but then as a Welshman born in Belfast, living in Scotland what do I know.
Complain about this post
A solid performance against France this weekend should restore faith to those shaken by the inadequate performance at Murrayfield. The back line on Saturday is enough to challenge any team in the world and will surely have halted the French from counting their poulets just yet.
A solid performance from the pack (and god-willing a fix for that lineout) will make for what is almost always a fantastic, fast-paced game in Paris.
Call me an eternal optimist but I have a sneaky feeling we're gonna shake things up in game 3 of this Super Saturday!
Complain about this post
Reading this article reminds me of the John Cleese line in the film "Clockwise":
"It's not the despair, I can cope with the despair.... it's the hope!"
I hope the French humiliate the Welsh. It still will not be adequate pay-back for my schooldays in the 70's ruined by our Welsh headmaster gloating in assemblies on the Mondays following Five Nations' weekends.
Complain about this post
Wales will want to perform really well cause of the way the last to matches wemt. I think they will win.
Complain about this post
Trousered? Interesting. To my mind, France have been living on a lot of turover ball very much like NZ, and very much like NZ they don't see to have got out of first gear. I suspect it's cause they are not sure where 2nd gear is yet...but they will find it. Wales turned over too much ball against us Scots so if they can cut that out and hold on to their posession, give the backs a bit better quality ball then yup, Wales have a chance.
Complain about this post
French confidence will be high and ours not quite so. Even with the changes, if they get ahead in the first 20 minutes we'll get hammered. Still don't think they are a great side though, and if we could get ahead of them, they could implode almost as quickly as we seem to.
Complain about this post
Strong on paper, weak on grass, that is the problem at the moment. Henry and Hansen gave carte blanche to the team and the boys responded. There seems to have been a tightenning of the flair that was evident in 2005, which has created a fear making the wrong choice. Give two even three tries away a game, who cares if you score five or six in return. Remove the muzzel, let the Dragon breath fire again.
Complain about this post
Wales played well aganst a very good Irish team but still lost shockingly aganst Scotland and lost. I don't think they can turn it around aganst what is argueable the best side in Europe.
Complain about this post
I totally disagree this welsh side is poor on paper and even worse on grass.Gareth Jenkins appears to be uncertain of what style game to adopt attempting to bully teams with forwards who are incapable of doing so, then giving poor slow ball to a back line lacking in real pace. The reason welsh fans expect wales to do well simply reflects the fact that they pay so little attention to rugby outside the principality. This six nations is of such low quality that it as at times laughable. New Zealand showed everyone how to play the game in the autumn,no lessons though appear to have been learnt.
Complain about this post
wales are going to get hammered by france, i think its in wales best interests if the country just erases 2005 from their memory or if not, just talk about it as a story of myth / legend.
france ireland and england are "the" teams of the northern hemisphere.
Complain about this post
"Dude, you're pretty self-deluded. wales will get completely trousered on saturday."
What insightful comment you make!
Personally, I found this blog level-headed, calming and encouraging - unlike the Welsh press at the moment. This team sheet has a win in them, we've just got to play to our potential on Saturday and get back that all important self-belief.
With regard to punditry about this fixture, I think it's always one of the hardest results to call in world rugby. There's one big questions: Which France will turn up? On their day, they're World Cup finalists but if Wales galvanise and play a game that's loose and disruptive - tails up from the word 'go' - a French team on the back foot, is a French team that can be rolled over in Paris.
I pray for the latter - we need something to raise spirits and tone down mindless criticism. There is a touch of the Sven-treatment going on in Wales and it's counter-productive in the build to a World Cup campaign.
Either way, I'll have had so much Guinness on Super Saturday that I won't remember 5pm onwards anyway! That means I'll either be happy to forget or I'll watch the momentous recording courtesy of Sky+ with a headache in the morning.
As long as England get beaten at Croke Park, everything's going to be all right!
Complain about this post
Phillip(no.5)is in dreamland if he really believes wales,scotland and italy with first choice sides are a match for anyone in the world.Australia showed scotland the quality of back play required from a top international side when they last played at murrayfield, scotlands backs by comparison looked clueless against wales despite the fact they had the lions share of possession.I think the thing that disappointed the welsh supporters in the same game was the lack of direction the welsh side displayed, and if sportsman can't take criticism find another line of work.In a profession which is highly rewarded of course the supporters have every right to criticise inept performance.As long as the criticism does not simply relate to aspects of the players private lives such as family, the players must accept it comes with the territory.
Complain about this post
It's forecast to rain quite heavily in Paris on Saturday afternoon / evening. Lets hope the conditions don't dampen Wales' mood like it did at Murryfield.
Complain about this post
Wether im just a deluded welsh man or not, I take pride in my countries rugby team and believe that they can get a result at the stade de france. I agree with Nick, Martyn Williams and Alix Popham were awesome against Scotland, especially at the breakdowns. People shouting for Stephen Jones to be left out of the team must be crazy. Lets remember hes the only person that has scored a point for us this campaign! I think his experience and consistency with the boot would keep any no.10 in the world out of the team. James Hook needs to find his feet at no.12 and i think the game against France we could see his flair. Sorry If i sound like a biased, blinded welshman but I think we can do it.
Please Boys, Its hard enough being a welshman living in England, give me something to talk about down the pub!
Complain about this post
Au Contraire Tim,
Not deluded, (although certainly one eyed with a serious visual defficiancy), and definately not pretty, (as my long suffering colleagues would readily agree).
France have not fully fired on all cylinders and have certainly got an eye on the World Cup, (which they have a perceivable chance of obtaining).
Wales, who have also under-performed, will want to make their (harsh) critics eat their words and should therefore be fully focussed on the job in hand. Couple this to the return of a few 1st choicers to the team to add extra bite and we could have a thriller in the offing.
That said, I have to conclude that my eye is now acing painfully and my dodgy vision is deteriorating further.
Complain about this post
France is France, whatever will happen will happen. Just give hook a chance at outside half against Italy, Shanklin inside centre, Thomas outside him see what happens in preparation for the big one on March 17th.
You're the one we want.......
Complain about this post
Ok - I don't much about rugby, but I know what I like. And I like to see Wales winning.
This doesn't happen very often but when it does, God it feels good! Let's remain positive and remember 'we can beat anyone when we are on form'..
Let's just hope we are on form on Saturday. C'mon boys!
Complain about this post
To Brian Collins:
"Not only that if Wales topple the French, and Ireland beat England. It's all level bar the points diff."
I'm afraid not. Wales will still only have ONE win against Eng and Ireland's TWO. Back to the Maths classes!
Personally hope Wales get steamrollered - lucky to win Grand Slam in 2005 with an average side.... and we're STILL hearing about it now.
ALLEZ LES BLEUS!
Complain about this post
Re: R Turner.
The Welsh play in a league with the Irish and Scotts so I suspect they are plenty familiar with at least two of the Northern hemisphere teams.
As for a back line lacking in real pace, have you even seen the Welsh back line?? With seriously quick wingers and world class half backs (despite some admitedly mediocre performances in the openers), the only place tey really lack experience (note experience, not skill) is at 12 with young James Hook currently finding his feet at international and regional level!
The pack performed well against Ireland and with a similar pack to face France, I hope the Welsh can lift their game and suprise Paris as they have so often done in their previous visits.
Complain about this post
I do agree, we do have a tendency to operate only in extremes in Wales. That isn't healthy and leads to additional unwanted pressure on Jenkins and the boys who surely are under enough pressure from themselves... knowing that a nation expects.
How we expect anyone to perform effectively under these conditions I don't know.
Complain about this post
To Philip (no. 5),
I'm afraid Wales don't have that same excuse as Scotland and Italy (and to a lesser extent, Ireland). Rugby is Wales' national sport, and the strength in depth should be huge. On almost every piece of grass in Wales you still see boys playing with the oval ball, which cannot be said for the other countries mentioned. In fact, of the top tier of rugby nations only New Zealand (and white South Africa) has the same national fervour for the great game.
I think Wales have been just a few key injuries and some poor team selection short of challenging any of the 6 Nations teams. The return of Shane Williams and Mark Jones will be key, and add Brent Cockbain (who should be starting ahead of Gough), Gareth Thomas and possibly Henson, and it could make all the difference.
Complain about this post
To Lepard:
c.f. Johny Wilkinsons world cup victory in 2003. Will you EVER shut up about that?!?!
Complain about this post
Nick Mullins said that this team was dubbed by some as potential Grand Slammers.... is he been puffinf on the Millenium Stadium Grass or what?
Not in a million years were Wales potential Grand Slammers this season.
France Were/are, Ireland were, England were not and now are, Scotland never, Italy Never, Wales Never.
Wales went to Edinburgh expecting to turn up and get a win, their own delluded idea of self worth was their undoing. We [Wales] did the Grand Slam 2 years ago, we play exciting rugby therefore it should be a walk in the park. Everyone has said that Wales were poor, but I don't think anyone is giving Scotland the credit they deserve. I am not saying that they are potential World Cup winners and probably don't have as many skillful individuals as Wales, but that is what Wales has Individuals whereas the Scots are a team working and playing for each other. Also look at the Magners League brefore that game Edinburgh were in 3rd position with 2 Irish teams above them no Welsh teams above them, so they are obviously better than most give credit for (note that the Scotland team is primarily full of Edinburgh players).
I do hope Wales beat France, Jenkins said previously that he would shift players about to get the best players on the park even if it meant 2 or 3 guys playing out of position, this is wrong pick the best guy for the position not the best guy then find him a position.
Complain about this post
Interesting that James (no 18) neglects to put his nationality down or his rugby tournament of preference - a weak and spinless post.
Complain about this post
The last performances have shown that aside from Alfie, Shane Williams and Tom Shanklin (Mark Jones to a degree) Wales do not have any genuine test standard finishers, but then again with Wellies Jones at number 10 they probably wont get the ball anyway...
2 issues for me are the coach and the captain, Gareth Jenkins for me is not a good coach, he just hid behind a very good llanelli side and is now reaping the wru rewards. Steven Jones is not the man to lead the country especially when arguably there's 1 or more better number 10's who should be in the team ahead of him.
Come 10pm this Saturday, it'll be sorrow drowning once again for Welsh men across the land...
Complain about this post
"...the big one on March 17th. You're the one we want..."
Comments like this really get on my wick. I'm an Englishman (Yorkshireman to be precise) with an amazing Welsh girlfriend. I love Wales, I think it's a great country and the valleys remind me a lot of home (I moved there to be near her). However, when it comes to rugby, I think you are a pathetic nation of people. Having watched England - Italy in the pub in Cardiff, I was intimidated to be wearing my shirt (people staring, screaming celebrations in my face when the Italians scored). The atmosphere was not light-hearted and friendly as you would expect from a rugby crowd, but aggressive and highly anti-English. I have had this consistently now since I moved and slowly it's grinding me down. After Wales lost to Scotland, the first thing they did in the pub was play a song, the lyrics to which were 'as long as we beat the English we don't care'! I couldn't believe my ears. (In the football world cup, I was seeing Portugese flags hanging out of car windows in Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly for God's sake!) It simply does not work the same in reverse. The odd jokey comment, yes, but nothing more.
My girlfriend's dad gets tickets for the matches and very kindly offers me one normally. If I ever watch a Wales match at that amazing stadium, I abide by the terms put in place by him, I wear a Wales shirt and I cheer for them (I lost my voice cheering for them against France last year). I have got a ticket for "the big one", as does my Dad. We are going with my girlfriend and her family and I'm sure it'll be a great day. If we lose, I'll be disappointed, but not half as upset as you lot if you lose to us. You just can't stick it can you? Did we behave like this in the 70's when Wales were steamrolling everyone in sight? I wasn't around, but I doubt it very very much.
GROW UP
Complain about this post
I agree with Mike. You wouldn't use a screw driver to hammer a nail so why use a tool like Hook at inside centre. Hook is a fly-half and offers better attacking options than Jones and gives the ball a good wallop. This is just one example of Wales not using the right tools for the job.
Complain about this post
I have to say that I'm wishing Wales the best but I don't share Nick's optimism. The French are noted for being stronger at home than away & they still managed to beat the Irish at Croke Park. Unfortunately I can't see Wales causing an upset but hopefully they can compete more effectively than they did at Murrayfield.
Complain about this post
Yup. James (18) is clearly some Antipodean living in Shepherd's Bush, being all smug and superior about his rugby.
Based on that assumption, he'll think the Tri-Nations is one of the most exciting tournaments going. I have to agree though, it's really wonderful to watch every year and see the ABs show just how many leagues ahead in world rugby they are while SA and OZ trade insults to become a nothing-in-it second (whilst remaining smug in the belief that they could still beat any other team in the world).
Then, this is a best bit... we get to watch the same fixtures all over again to make it something like a proper tournament.
Now that's a competition worth watching!
Oh, and one final question while I'm in sarcasm mode: Why aren't the Pacific Islands and/or Argentina invited in to the Tri-Nations to make is a southern hempisphere 6N and actually do something for developing the competitive level of world rugby in the process? Chicken?
Keep the clique top-tier back slapping up boys, it's clearly what I pay my Sky Sports subscription for. Or so you would probably have me believe.
Complain about this post
I have no confidence in Jenkins as coach whatsoever, and fully expect us to get stuffed in France. Don't get me wrong I would love to be proved wrong but I can't see it.
I was landed when he was first announced as coach but despondant the moment he said Stephen Jones was captain through to the world cup!
No manager can make loyalty promises like that. Especially to "old mates".
He has to play his best team for every game and play people in their true positions.
Jones current form barely gives him a place on the bench and getting the Ospreys to give Henson a run at full back was the mark of a clown.
Henson was, is and always will be a 12. He's never going to be a full back.
In the autumn we were boasting about having 2 first class teams in the squad and I believe we did.
How can 1 man reduce such a formidable strength in depth to the level we are now performing at?
Jenkins has to accept that he is not motivating the players and that if he can't find a way to do so then maybe he should give someone else a chance before we fail to get out of the group stages of the world cup.
It's time to put up or shut up. Jenks.
Complain about this post
to Leopard @ 23!
The English team over the past 6 months have been the poorest in the 6 Nations - The Irish probably the best.
During all of the trials and tribulations of the totally inadequate Andy Robinson all the English press referred to was the Glory Days of the world cup!!!!!!
Yes the Welsh were proud of the Grand Slam in 2005 - an Average side? Well I'll take an average Grand Slam winning welsh side playing the best rugby of the past couple of years over the boring mundane English side that are playing at the moment.
Come March 17th you may be eating humble pie, and a large slice at that!
Complain about this post
B.Schott(24),unfortunately I have seen Welsh sides play at all levels for longer than I care to remember.World class half backs?dont think Stephen Jones ever came into that catergory,he improved drastically during his time in France but left his form there when he returned to Wales.As for the pace who is that?Shane Williams has incredible talent as a line breaker but I've seen even flankers run him down.Would you class Mark Jones in the same bracket as the likes of Rico Gear or Doug Howlett?even the English have more pace behind the forwards(fortunately they dont know what to do with the ball when they get it).An earlier blog criticised the six nations as boring,I think they're absolutely right,even rugby league is more interesting nowadays and the players skill levels in terms of offloads and keeping the ball alive far superior.Under Ruddock Wales ran at space and passed before contact,they seem to have gone backwards since and as well as Popham did against Scotland, the backs can not play until the forwards deliver good quick ball and stop seeking contact as often as possible.
Complain about this post
To my northern friends in the various english-speaking isles: you constantly label France as inconsistent, unpredictable etc etc.. May I remind you that since the RWC in 2003, France has won 15 games out of 17 in the 6N tournament. How about that for inconsistency?
Yes I know, one of those games, we threw away to the Welsh but it sure made for a great game of rugby, wasn't it? Still, the result of the game in Stade de France next Saturday may not be that difficult to predict...
Complain about this post
I flew to Edinburgh for Scotland v Wales, expecting a much better performance from Wales, unfortunately the only time Wales looked good was when they lined up before the kick off!! To many basic errors and poor decisions at the worst possible time. Why are NZ so good? they do the basics exceptionally well, pass, catch & tackle, run straight lines from depth giving them time to play what is in front of them and make the right choices. Wales played like that in 2005 but seem to have forgotton since. On a positive note Tom Shanklin gave some direction in mid field when he came on, ran straight and held the defence creating more room outside, shame we didn't have more of the ball the result would have been closer. If Wales play well and don't make basic mistakes then they have a chance on Saturday, but belief is required with more of the experienced players coming back who news, as always I live in hope of a Welsh victory!!!
Complain about this post
To Thom (no.31), I really think you should read the blinkered, arrogant comments on these blogs from some of your fellow English countrymen before you start labelling entire nations 'pathetic'. I'm not Welsh, but it is precisely this attitude to the rest of the world that renders the English so unpopular.
Complain about this post
I am amused by Thorn Mills comments (no 31.) What makes any English person think they have a God given right to have the support of the supporters of the other home teams just by the fact that England happen to be playing - support like respect has to be earned. By their self satisfying smugness and pushing how good England is (at anything) down peoples throats they alinate those they would so dearly like to convert - they can't even manage to create their own anthem and have the audacity to use the National Anthem of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth! If the English were to find an ability to aquire a grace in both winning and loosing they may find a bit less resistance in support. I live in England and see on a regular basis just what bad sports English fans are - regardless of the sport. I get a great deal of abuse because I am not an English supporter and have a different accent - there would be less if I was a different colour. Oh yes they were going to win the football World Cup wer'nt they!
Complain about this post
What a silly arguement. France are probably well equipped to send Wales packing and Wales will have to play at the top of their game to stay in the game. All that is secondary.
Providing the Irish beat the English on Saturday, who on earth wont be rejoicing that?
Complain about this post
to terry p (no.27)
When was the last world cup? 2003 - that would be the wilkinson one
When was the last Six nations? 2006
I don't seem to remember wales winning that one.
Complain about this post
to Leopard:
To Brian Collins:
"Not only that if Wales topple the French, and Ireland beat England. It's all level bar the points diff."
I'm afraid not. Wales will still only have ONE win against Eng and Ireland's TWO. Back to the Maths classes!
Personally hope Wales get steamrollered - lucky to win Grand Slam in 2005 with an average side.... and we're STILL hearing about it now.
ALLEZ LES BLEUS!"
Brian is an Irishman Leopard, i dont think he meant wales would be level! Good at maths, but obviously not at reading!
and it wasnt an AVERAGE team that won us the grand slam, it was a team that was formed over the Henry and the Hansen years, that happened to click at the right time, much like the england team in 2003.
and i think that winning the grand slam is nearly as big an acheivement as winning the world cup (albeit there are less games and the competition isnt as strong) so i think we're allowed t obrag a little bit. and i heard an englishman brag just last week how they were the world champions!
As for the game on saturday, i havnt got much hope for a win, but it would be nice if the team shows that theyr still a danger in world rugby
Complain about this post
The arguement seems to be exhausted, so all that's left for me to say is what a ridiculous time to kick-off a rugby match.
Complain about this post
To Thom - 35
I can only apologise for the treatment that you have had in Wales, and I agree that it is wrong. However I am afraid that it cannot be avoided. What you will find is that you would probably receive the same treatment is Scotland, Ireland and many other countries around the globe.
Therefore, you have to ask why people act like this and ask the question "what makes them behave like this鈥.
It basically boils down to the dominance of the English and the oppression they have exerted upon these nations in the past. You may rightly say that this happened a long time ago and it should be forgotten, however when my grandmother tells me that in the 20's she used to be physically beaten in school as a 5-10 year old for speaking Welsh, I tend to jump with joy when England loose at anything. Any Irishman or Scotsman will mention countless wars, the potato famine caused by English landlords (millions dying), the highland clearances (English landlords, thousands dying), Croke Park massacre, etc. If it was Wales that had colonised England im pretty certain that id have similar experiences to you.
I鈥檓 afraid it鈥檚 a very deep rooted hatred that has simply come from being ruled by a stronger and more powerful neighbour for so long. You cannot just forget 800 years of, at times, quite heavy handed and ruthless dominance.
It鈥檚 all very petty and juvenile, but it just makes us feel good when you loose.
C'mon Wales and fingers crossed for the Irish at Croke.
Complain about this post
Am I the first French blogger? It was great to win in Ireland at the end of a great game. The victory, as often, relies on a bit of luck. Ireland could have won, and that's what we would remember. But there is a big hole of oblivion in which 5 out of 6 nations will fall. We don't remember the losers. I can't prononce myself on the outcome of the tournament. Even the pundits and analysts, be it in rygby, football... get it wrong all the time. France look healthy and Laporte is clever to make them compete for the World Cup squad. There are plenty of promissing players. Wales are the team I fear the most as they can play fast fast rugby and stretch the defence. And they too are entitled to a favorable bounce of the ball. England are lacking imagination, Ireland are out for a kill, Italy are not reading the "How to win" book but just the "How to play", and Scotland don't seem to have the weight. I don't mind any of you winning, but gosh!, I hope we trash you all. Just because!
Complain about this post
"Watch the performance of the backrow again against Scotland and tell me that Alix Popham... deserved to be dropped"
Sometimes I despair about the quality of analysis on this website. Is this what I pay my licence fee for? If, Nick, you did indeed watch the Scotland game again you'd see a number 8 playing at blindside flanker, who may have made a few big hits and carried the ball a few yards, but did not fulfil the role of a blindside flanker.
Popham is a good quality 8, but not in the same league as Ryan Jones, hence why Popham should be on the bench and Charvis playing at 6. Charvis is someone who recognises the role that a 6 needs to play - if nothing else, actually rucking and winning some ball.
Martyn Williams was fighting a lone battle throughout the 60 minutes before getting taken off (which in itself was a ridiculous decision, but that's for another time) - I refuse to believe that a backrow including Charvis instead of Popham would've returned from Edinburgh with only 30% possession.
Complain about this post
Im welsh and very passionate about wales rugby and watch all the time, wat i dont understand is the critism to steve jones he was one of the best against scotland, where as a team we played absolutly terrible. James hook is awesome and will be easily the next dan carter if not better but he needs time he still young. Training him as a 12 is a great idea, it means we have cover when needed. i watch the ospreys alot and have seen hook play 12 countless times and play awesome, but he is still finding his feet at international rugby. Also who ever posted that wales lack pace is rubbish. shane williams rocks and so does mark jones and shanklin and who ever saw ospreys last saturday they wud av seen bryne proving he is an awesome fullback as he has a boot on him, is fast and can run great lines. i wud also like to see henson back as regardles of form he lacks confidence and jus puttin him on bench cud help him loads plus he is a big game player. wales to beat france on saturday but game will be close thriller.
Complain about this post
Wales are the frightening team for France, as they can play fast-very fast rugby. The current criticism that targets the national team is equal to the expectation based on their great talent. But this talent has let them down. They'll want to shine in Paris. If they lose, they will offer a good game I'm sure. Two of their best players are out, namely Thomas and Henson, and it's fine with me since I will be shouting for Les Bleus. France can be just amazing. Can Wales have a avorable bounce of the ball to help, or won't they need it and just dominate the whole game? Pundits, commentators, you and I will find out.
Complain about this post
Predictions:
Ireland beat England
Scotland beat Italy
France beat Wales
France to win the slam me thinks.
Ireland 2nd
Scotland 3rd
England 4th
Wales 5th
Italy wooden spoon
The reason I've got England at 4th is because they will lose to Ireland, France & once the heads go down Wales will be in with a chance of beating them.
Complain about this post
I just fail to understand the puerile rantings and the intense desire to see England beaten by anybody they may be playing against, by many Welsh viewers. Like most English sports followers whenever the other British or Irish nations are playing anyone other than England we are supporting them.
But this will not go on forever because many are now getting fed up with their constant carping, have just had enough. However, I will remain to my principles and support Wales, who in my humble opinion have an fair chance (if they can weather the early storm) of areal chance of success.
Complain about this post
Good luck to Wales in Paris, but win or lose, I hope that the players acknowledge the support within the stadium for them. Over 30k of us went to Murrayfield in the most trying conditions,only to see the players trudge off after an abject display, without even a hint of an acknowledgment or thanks for our efforts!All so different from the previous Edinburgh visit, when all were happy to go round for a lap of honour!So come on Wales, take a leaf out of football's book for once (Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt especially) and appreciate your supporters, win or lose.
Complain about this post
To Janice Jone (38). You are a complete idiot! You were responding to comments made in a very respectful way which made a valid point. As a rugby supporter I love to discuss the games with rugby fans on their merits of both teams. For me that is the great thing about rugby as a sport and its players and supporters, and yes this does include Welsh fans who live in England. I accept that there is a certain pleasure in beating certain opponents, no problem. But your aggresion in your mail is ridiculous. Get a grip!
Complain about this post
Back to the issue of this blog - WELSH rugby (NOT Southern Hemisphere, NOT English, and certainly not a blog about the Welcome! afforded to other nationalities in Wales)
Gareth Jenkins has at his disposal a very talented squad of players. There is ample experience across the squad, ample strength, skill, and technique. This has been proven in many matches played by the Welsh team and the regions over the last two years. I dont want to get into some silly arguement about 'How much pace', or 'How mauch strength' blah blah blah. Needless to say, he has the players who can compete with the best.
However, his failures are two fold. 1st - Selection, and 2nd - Gameplan.
Selection.
All this stuff about picking on form. Yet we find 5 players picked in positions they dont normally play - so how on earth he can conclude that their form is better then their peers is ludicrous.
Especially the selection of an O/S centre on the wing, a No.8 at 6, and an inexperienced 10 at 12.
Gameplan.
What is it? Heh? Jones is always standing in the pocket. Now he has his critics, but watch Llanelli play, and he IS a front-foot player. As it is, what ever ball we get from the forwards is immediately being played 15 yards behind the gainline. Jones cant be solely blamed for this, he must be doing what he's told.
Also, Cezkai taking clearance kicks?!! Peel's box kicks?! What is that about?!
I dont know what result I want on Saturday. It hurts to say it, but another clueless performance may help rid our national sport of a clueless leader. But of course that wont happen, I'll still support them (even if we are crap!)
Complain about this post
When will coaches learn?
Please stop picking players out of position.
If Hook plays center he will be badly exposed by France this weekend.
Let's wait until he can justifiably be chosen at fly-half.
Luckily Ireland didn't have enough ball to do anything really destructive like France are capable of.
Thank God Robinson and Cejka aren't playing!
Complain about this post
Nath, you certainly aren't on your own in the "Charvis must return" camp. His form for the Dragons will have given Gareth Jenkins plenty to think about and the way he charged around the training pitch at Sophia Gardens earlier in the week suggests he feels he still has stacks to offer. I also agree Martyn Williams stood out against Scotland. It's unusual these days when he isn't magnificent. I just don't think Wales' problems were necessarily in the back row and Popham's wasn't the kind of performance that usually leads to someone being dropped. Agreed, he's playing out of position, but without him I wonder if the score might have been even tougher to swallow? Not content with watching the match once - I've now watched it twice and I saw Popham doing plenty of the "dog work" you'd expect from a number six. He was at the centre of a resilient Welsh defence and the 14 tackles he threw himself into has been bettered by no one in the championship so far. And while we're quibbling about statistics, Wales actually enjoyed 40% of the possession. That they didn't score more points from it is hardly the blindside flanker's fault,
Thanks, Nick.
Complain about this post
To be quit honest wales need someone dynamic at fly-half. jones is too slow to react and often his decision making is all wrong. therefore, James Hook should clearly play at fly half we saw what damage he could do pre six nations. so why not put him in now?
Complain about this post
Aupasf (post 37) has a point: among the British and Irish media, and some of the fans, France are often portrayed as brilliant but mentally unstable and defensively suspect.
This stereotype was only reinforced by the carnage inflicted by the All Blacks last autumn, but in fact
pretty much the opposite is true under Laporte. Especially since the last world cup, the French team is resilient, the defence is organised, they don't get in a flap when they're behind on the scoreboard, and they play fairly conservatively, with tactical kicking a notable strength. Some very talented backs are kept on a pretty tight leash. If they were English they'd be called boring, have no doubt. Neither the Grand Slam of 2004 nor the Championship win of 2006 was filled with much champagne rugby, to be honest - but it has usually been effective. The consistency of results is all the more notable because Laporte's selection of personnel has been - and continues to be - little short of chaotic.
For this match, I'm pleased to see Elvis Vermeulen back - one of the few players who did himself proud against the All Blacks. I'm hoping to see Remy Martin and Yannick Nyanga back as soon as possible too.
Complain about this post
Nick,
I appreciate the reply. However, a simple typo (yes, 40% possession, not 30%) cannot hide the problem. I completely agree with you that it's not Popham's fault that Wales didn't score more points - everyone knows how many times we saw the Welsh forwards battered but the backs almost keeping us in the game when Scott Johnston was around, for a start. However, your flagging up of the 14 tackles made by Popham doesn't, in my opinion, change the fundamental problem, which was a lack of support for Martyn Williams at the breakdown.
I also agree that Wales' main problems against Scotland were elsewhere - as has been mentioned numerous times, the props didn't show up, the lineout was terrible all day and with Stephen Jones now fully re-emersed in the kind of 'head-down, blinkers on' rugby he played before he left for France, the backs wouldn't have scored a try if they'd be out there until now. I was merely challenging the strength of the statement that one couldn't argue that Popham deserved to be dropped: regardless of where our main problems were, I believe that having a real blindside flanker at number 6 is crucial, and that we would be better served with Charvis at 6 for both matches against Scotland and France.
Complain about this post
Iestyn
Many Thanks for the support mate, I think Leopard is a man in denial.
Mate, i hope you do the Frnch, and send a message to the rest of the NH, that Wales have the quality to beat anyone on their day. Here's to putting the tble back in the order it should be, with England 4th. God luck on Sat mate. I'll probably catch the 2nd half as i'll be travelling back from Dblin with a huge smile on my chops.
Complain about this post
'France is France, whatever will happen will happen. Just give hook a chance at outside half against Italy, Shanklin inside centre, Thomas outside him see what happens in preparation for the big one on March 17th.
You're the one we want.......'
I happen to think this post is very narrow minded. Being a very proud Englishman who happens to have Welsh heritage and of more significance actualy studies in and choose Aberystwyth to be his home for the next 3 years I would love either England or Wales to win the six nations. Obviously i favour the English as any self respecting Welshman would favour Wales. However, claiming all the Welsh want to do is beat the English is totally ridiculous. I know plenty of Welsh people who care about the game and see the bigger picture; the six nations rather than just England and Wales. Move on!
Complain about this post
I think the overreaction in Wales has been beond belief. I think for Scotland GJ picked the wrong front five and this time he's about right. Henson is nowhere near ready (he's had a crap season, let's be fair) so Jones must stay at 10 with Hook at 12. The returns will help the backline and I wonder if we might not see a fightback - France hate Stade de France. By the way I'm Irish and I know we were lucky to escape from Cardiff with a win. Calm down and give them a chance.
Complain about this post
the welsh pack is now about right,although i would love to see charvis on the bench.think u have to give henson another chance,but in the centre. the guy can kick goals from 70m and on his day he is one of the best in europe in both attack and defense. hook should replace stephen jones(what have we got to lose at this stage of the chamionship!!) and stick gareth thomas back in at full back as soon as he is 'unsuspended'. there is a team which would be able to take on the best.
on sat against france-u have to say the french are odds on but,it depends which french side turns up. hit them with a few points early on and the french heads could easily be on their chests. carpe diem!!
Complain about this post
Quite a broad spectrum of discussion so excuse the essay.
Jenkins,despite his scarlet fever,has two agendas....6nations and the world cup.Argentina tour was a good grounding for certain youngsters.This is his only excuse for starting with players like Robinson and Czech-eye during this competition.Would be grand to see someone like Gareth Wyatt get a call-up, at least to the bench, but there you go.
For the France and Inglan (see Linton Kwesi Johnson) games i see it like this, "assuming" the Italy game and fitness are givens (not likely):
Horsman/Rees/Jenkins front row,
Thomas' lineout isnt happening and Rees is a yeti sometimes in the loose.
Adam Jones in 2005 seemed to sniff out possession and scrummage hard but not this season.
Duncan Jones....maybe not as aggressive as either of the props who've come in for the French game,gutting considering he's captained the team.
At lock.....Alan Wyn-Jones and a toss-up between Goughy and Cockbain,closest call of any selection.
Ryan Jones hasnt justified his place.Popham of the 'port to no.8 and Charvis @ 6.Popham got in Cussiter's face any chance he had at Murrayfield and gives 110%.Different player to Ryan Jones but Ryan looked isolated at times during Ireland/Scotland games and isnt back to his rampaging best.Mix-n-match.
Peel at 9.
Jones at 10.Yes his form is lame but Hook at 10 against the French,with a possible caning about to be handed out,might result in him blighted by the same circumstances that afflict Henson.I agree with a comment above about S.Jones sitting in the pocket (like a protected Jonny W not so long ago).Play Hook at 12 and see if he can lift his game,he showed some sublime running in the 1st half of the Ireland match.
Shanklin at 13.He's ginger,he plays for Cardiff but he hits the gain-line with proper angles.
Shane and Mark Jones on the wings and as K.Morgan is out(he'd be the 1st name down on my old man's teamsheet) fullback would offer Henson a test of where his ambition lies.Granted thats reputation over form,he was average at best for the Ospreys at 15,but he can kick like a mule and tackles aswell as Alfie.Alternative would be Byrne or Alfie barring bans.
If anything this list exposes our lack of depth that regional rugby was supposed to develop.2005 was when it all clicked,accumulated progress.I think Jenkins had an 2 year plan of sorts when he came into post: to include a tough tour against Argentina with youngsters,a 6nations campaign leading onto a world cup,but so far it isnt panning out.He want 2 XV's like Henry with the All Blacks but that hasnt really developed either.
Wales can afford a cock-up like the Murrayfield debacle,but only once.
Complain about this post
As an Englishman I have to say I agree with Nick - Wales took the game to Ireland and played well by all accounts I watched the game myself and whilst Wales made many mistakes and were ultimately outperformed by Ireland they playe well and defensively stood firm.O ne thing that seems to be forgotten is the fact that this Welsh team lost one of the best players and a former awe-inspiring captain just three days before the Ireland Game - with Gareth Thomas out on a suspension welsh morale is bound to be low - I am not trying to excuse their performance but look at the English side at the moment - not the best we've had in years by any means but the simple fact that Jonny Wilkinson is back in the side has brought confidence to the team a confidence that I think Gareth Thomas also brings to the side.
With regard the captaincy - Stephen Jones has done a good job and I think he is the right man for the job however France will be experimenting so why not give the armband to someone else and see how they perform - everyone is criticising Stephen because of the teams performance and whilst as the captain he should shoulder the respobsibility the criticism comes at a personal level with reports suggesting he cant handle the captaincy - I disagree I think he can and I think Wales are just finding their feet thats all - it happens to every side at times but look at the facts Ireland havent won a Grandslam in goodness knows how long, England have failed to produce anything spectacular and have failed to win the Grandslam since 2003, that leaves France who's record I am unsure of and Wales who if I am correct were the last team to win a Grandslam in this tournament so realistically speaking Wales are not doing too badly - the defeat to Scotland was a bit drastic and sure we all expected better but Wales still need to find their feet and Gareth Jenkins still has to find his feet as Director of Rugby or Head Coach whatever you welsh call it - give the team a chance and by the time the World Cup comes later this year they will have a good chance of getting to the Semi Finals if not the Final provided of course they dont have New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in the knockout stages.
Complain about this post
I understand there is a respect between the French, the Kiwis and the Welsh for the way they play their rugby. I'm sure Wales will play an open attacking game against the French, one that entertains. That's what made the victory in 2006 special, and is all that's needed to restore some pride.
Complain about this post
To the joker who suggested England has better strength in depth than Wales or Ireland, matey you're utterly deluded. If you could pick the assorted foreigners retired to the Guiness Premiership perhaps you'd have a point. Sadly you can't so you don't.
Wales has far more strength in depth at Prop, lock, backrow, scrum half (we have 3 that are all better than the likes of Ellis and Perry), Centre and back 3. If England had the injury problems that Wales do right now they'd be playing people who've barely played a full 80mins in their careers in the GP. Of course I'd say probably only France and New Zealand worldwide have the kind of strength in depth that'd mean they could lose 6 or 7 players and not miss them too much but still, here's a second string welsh team for you:
15. Lee Byrne, 14. Gareth Thomas, 13. Sonny Parker, 12. Gavin Henson, 11. Chris Czekaj, 10. Ceri Sweeney, 9. Mike Phillips, 8. Alix Popham, 7. Colin Charvis, 6. Jon Thomas 5. Rob Sidoli, 4. Brent Cockbain, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Mefin Davies 1. Duncan Jones although you could argue that Hook is the second best 10 in Wales he's currently our first choice 12 and that it's a toss up between the Jones boys in the front row or Horsman and Jenkins. Who've England got? Hardly anyone of note.
Complain about this post
I am a Welshman living in Singapore. The game is live on TV here at 4.00am in the morning. Of course I will be watching. All I want is to see the Welsh trying their very best. They cant have much of an impact on the Championship win or lose. I am quite sure that each player goes into the game with the very best of intentions and has worked hard leading up to the game wanting to put in a good performance in front of a huge world audience and their families etc. Imagine the damage we all do to these guys when we criticise each little thing they do. Remember, these decisions are made on a split second. In your work, or daily life, you no doubt make mistakes even if you you try hard not to. Luckily for us, not many people may see these mistakes. Practice and dedication will make them better not by being told how bad they are.
The teams and public focus should be on getting the basics right and developing for the World Cup. They need to have quick clean ball. This can only be provided by a good solid lineout and scrum, as well as sharp work at the breakdown. There is as much talent in Wales as any other major rugby country, but even our competitors cant be winners without the ball. The ball is what wins the game. Treat it with respect and dont give it away without a fight.Come on Welshmen and Welshwomen, get behind the team. Be positive, look forward and concentrate on what we may achieve by pulling together. If we can pull a good performance on Saturday, it will give us a springboard to the remaining games. The games remaining are good opportunity for progress. Recently an Australian mentioned that they are very concerned over playing Wales in the Wold Cup. Thats after the recent games. Lets go forward. Good luck Wales.
Complain about this post
Ben Morgan, please tell us more about this supposed strength in depth in Welsh rugby?
In England's case:
Prop: Stevens, Sheridan, Vickery, White, Freshwater, Payne, Bell
Hooker: Chuter, Mears, Thompson, Paice
Lock: Grewcock, Borthwick, Shaw, Brown, Palmer, Jones, Deacon, Kay
Back Row: Lund, Rees, Corry, Worsley, Ward Smith, Moody, Easter, Sanderson
Scrum half: Ellis, Perry, Richards
Fly half: Wilko, Hodgson, Goode, Flood
etc etc
So don't speak to me about supposed Welsh dominance re: strength in depth.
Complain about this post
I'm intrigued by the positive press and lack of criticism that Dwane Peele is getting. The Welsh pack aren't the best at producing fast ball, but he slows it up even futrher. No wonder Stephen Jones can do nothing with it - especially considering he's not really a great play maker (although I still think the right man for the 10 at the moment).
Jones is not a dissimilar player to O'Garrah - but O'Garrah gets much faster dleivery, has a pack agressively going forward and some big and strong runners making the angles around him. If we really believe we have the ability out wide to win games, then we have to get the ball there quicker and move on from our addiction to a broken play expert who has become a bit of a one trick pony (as good as that trick is twice a match). He just doesn't ask enough of the back row cover to warrant his wasted time deliberating. Dwayne - Let the 10 make the decisions unless there really is a glaring opportunity to exploit! Otherwise, its' time to swap at 9.
Complain about this post
'The land of pointless kickers'
In the two Welsh games so far this season, 4 scores by the opposition have resulted directly from Dwayne Peel's box kicks from within the Welsh 22 and missing touch. Add these to the mid-distance restarts and missed touches by Stephen Jones and you see that poor tactical kicking is the major source of uncontested turnover. This has to be eradicated.
Complain about this post
I agree with one of the early posts, the blog is calm and considered - but ultimately, not convincing. Wales should be grateful that Chabal is out for Saturday, but they're still meeting a France team which is on the upswing towards the World Cup. I think Wales will be lucky to finish within 10 points of France.
Complain about this post
Janice (40)
I don't have the God given right to the support of anyone. I don't expect the Welsh to 'support' England as I do Wales when I go to their matches. I'm a realist. What I do expect, is to go into a pub in Cardiff wearing my England shirt and not to have hatred for my country directed at me personally. I did not have the odd comment here and there as you described your own experiences in England. I was genuinely intimidated. When Italy scored, the group of men around me, turned to look at me and screamed their celebration in my face. You need to re-read what I wrote. In saying that I am prepared to support Wales when England aren't playing, I am not suggesting that I therefore deserve the same in return (most Englishmen wouldn't do what I do anyway). My own girlfriend won't support England...whoever they're playing and if I asked her to wear the shirt....oh God....perish the thought! I understand that there is a deep-rooted dislike of the English in the Celtic nations, the severity of which varies from individual to individual. Celt (45), you're right, I do think it's a bit odd holding such a deep grudge when it's all history. I'm only 25, maybe I am too young to understand but in historical terms, we're all kids. May I also point out that there are countrys in the world with a much worse track record than England. So bad, that we would avoid metioning this to them in similar debates. This really is a side issue though.
I don't think it helps that in England, rugby union is a more middle class game. We've all seen the Range Rovers in Twickenham car park and it doesn't engratiate us to the Welsh where rugby is the national sport. It's for everyone, especially the working classes. When one thinks of the stereotypical English rugby fan, you think of a narrow-minded, posh southerner with a private education, a 4x4, a penchant for Guiness and wax jacket. Not an ideal mascot! That may be the case at Twickenham, where the seats go to all the rugby clubs and the rugby clubs are heavily populated by such types (private schools tend to teach rugby union, public schools tend to teach football, certainly where I come from). It isn't a fair representation of English rugby union support though and certainly not of the English people, or their attitude towards other nations.
I will apologise for using the term 'pathetic nation of people', that was inciteful and not what I really believe, although I did only use it in reference to rugby union. To that end, Bob (39), fair point, I let myself down a bit there. I am just frustrated at the moment. I wouldn't live here if I truly felt that. I just find this whole England versus the rest of Britain thing really painful. I love my country, especially my county. I defy any Welshman to come to Yorkshire and not love the people and the place...but that's a different matter...
As far as the anthem is concerned, I agree, it's mundane. I don't feel much pride when I sing it and I am envious of all 70,000 of you when you stand to sing your anthem in the stadium (I got a bit 'damp' round the eye the first time!). Sadly, I can't change the anthem and nor can you. It's a bit daft to use it as an insult though. And no, we weren't 'going to win the football world cup'. Very very few people thought we would. There's nothing wrong with a bit of blind optimism though is there? It's what gets us through the dark times. I certainly didn't believe we'd win the world cup. I didn't believe we'd win the European cup either...and I was right!
I do find it interesting that cricket seems to bypass all this. The English cricket team has Welsh players in it, yet they are called England. I'd take issue with THAT if I was Welsh. Although I'm guessing there aren't many cricket fans on here?!
Complain about this post
Dear Paddles (No 7),
You're obviously still suffering. Have you thought of therapy?
Complain about this post
Being a Scot with welsh blood it hurts ne to sat this but unfortunately Wales will feel the wrath of the French on Saturday, I still feel Wales lack a match winner and that the best player (Stephen Jones) has got to much pressure on him and with a french back row going for the juggular in Paris. France by 40!
Complain about this post
Emlyn (72),
Yep, I had to go to AA meetings to reduce my dependency on champagne after the 2003 world cup.
In the meantime, does anyone know what the current record is for a team to go from a Grand Slam to a Wooden Spoon?
Whatever it is, Wales must surely be on track to beat it this year.
Complain about this post
Why Wales have cause for hope in Paris ...
... Maybe the French team won't turn up
Complain about this post
Thom:
Not to dwell on this issue any longer than we have to I think your point about cricket is an interesting one. Indeed it is one that actually supports Janice's comment about the anthem as both act as an examples of English 'borrowing' from other nations. This does reach into other areas of sport such as Andy Murray frequently being referred to as British whereas Tim Henman is referred to as English.
I do think it is quite interesting though that in a blog titled 'Why Wales have cause for hope in Paris' a certain proportion of comments are in relation to the English...and we are weeks away from playing England!
Can we just focus on France for now?
Complain about this post
why aren't the under 20's matches broadcast live on tv, now the bbc has the extra digital channels i cannot see any reason for not showing them in full.
Complain about this post
in response to comment 14:
If you think a Welshman should forget about the slam of 2005 (I presume cos you think we'll never repeat it?) then when will English people stop going on about the damn Football World Cup of 66 - I mean jesus, that was over 40 years ago! As a welsh guy living in England this is amonsgt the most annoying thing thing to put up with! I don't mind banter about the RWC 2003 and that flukey drop goal by some lad called Jonny, but...i forget my point. oh yeah - nothing wrong with being proud of success, as long as it's recent success!
Complain about this post
Im a proud Welshman and forever optimistic, but honestly, im finding it very difficult to see how we can win on saturday.
I think we have won 3 out of 4 times at the Stade, however i fear this time the odds are stacked too greatly against us. Our key players are not performing, confidence low, play disjointed.
I think we should stick to our expansive fast open game, the French do fear us when we play that way. So if we cant get it wide and play a fast flowing game, we will loose heavily
France by 20, but i hope im wrong
Complain about this post
I think wales will do well in france if they play to their strengths, and stop trying to run the ball from everywhere...they need to get a platform too attack from first, then start running the ball in the way we know they can
Complain about this post
For me a win in Paris would be exceptional but honestly as much as i want Wales to win i can't see it happening. However we need to use these last few games to look at the bigger picture and prepare for the world cup. Id like to see Henson back for his tackling and kicking ability and go back to the Henson shanklin centre pairing with Hook on the bench who can then be brought on at either 12 or 10 depending on how the game is panning out. anyway good luck Wales!
Complain about this post
Thom (35 and 73):
Good luck to you, lad. I recognise and sympathise with your state of shock. I went to a Scottish University and loved it but it's taken me years and conscious effort to start supporting any Scottish team again. I regret I let matters get to that state. Stay true to your best self. Sorry if that sounds appallingly gagworthy, but it's important, I'm serious and it's true.
Celt (45): I understand the consequences of our history pretty well. And I'm very sorry about your gran. Awful. But kids were beaten for writing with their left hands around the same time. It was a more brutal age. Please understand I'm not excusing what was done, just trying to give you some context. If YOU were beaten for speaking Welsh I'd have complete sympathy, but I can assume you weren't and there is no acknowledgement of the fact that assumption can be made, and we are still treated as if we were Normans, and THAT rankles. It's only to be expected, I suppose, but it does engender a feeling of "Oh well, might as well do something to deserve my time in hell."
And your list of English crimes is not quite what you think it is - eg Highlands cleared by Scottish nobility who were, um, Scots. But it looks better to Hollywood...
Complain about this post
Ok everyone calm down, its just a game and what not and your all getting overexcited about nationalities that mean nothing. Your all British accept this and move on. Personally as I have both Welsh and English parents I would like to see a United Kingdom team in the world cup, but we should be so lucky.
So everyone, enjoy the six nations and support your teams but please don't get het up about things that really don't matter.
Oh and come on Wales, hate to see France win
Complain about this post
Donna (78)
A fair point. Good luck Wales.
Complain about this post
i would like to direct this comment to who ever says (r turner) the 6 naitions si of a considerly lower standard than the 3 naitions!!!!!! ireland beat both australia and s. africa in the autum, in the summer, nz were pressed to the limit by them. in the second summer test scotland pushhed s.africa, ospreys drew with australia in the autum and wales pushed them. i can not comment on england in the atum as that was a totally different team. thanks for listening x
Complain about this post
What we could do with is a victory by the under 20's to get the good omens rolling.
Of course it would help if the game tonight was televised, but it would seem that the beeb can't be bothered, is this years budget so sparce that you can only cover home games?
Complain about this post
Agree with roger - pointless, aimless kicking out of hand is killing us. Especially if no one chases it down.
As for our squad's legendary 'strength in depth' - WHAT strength in depth? We have 2-3 no 10's, some of whom we are playing in the centre. We have a fine centre not even in the squad due to lack of form having not played much rugby, who is looked at as a full back (you know who I mean) - yet the player replacing our injured no 1 full-back has played 1 game since coming back from serious injury, and though played quite well, I've seen him put in some shockers. And if robinson and cry-check represent the squad's s-in-d, then heaven help us. Only glad that Shane and Mark back on the wings - had they been there against Ireland, we might have finished them off, before they did for us. No comment re the Scotland game!!
Predictions - England to get a result in Dublin (even though, after beating us, I'd love to have seen Ireland win the slam); Scotland to out-dog Italy; France to beat Wales (boo!) by one score in a thiller
Complain about this post
Cowshot (84)
Thank you. Seriously.
I know this is a Welsh forum and I now promise to bugger off but can I leave you with this: No Jason and probably no Johnny...oh sh*t!!!
Good luck boys and girls.
Complain about this post
Wales need a good start - they cannot afford to go through a first half like they did 2 years ago.. The pack needs to take the game to France and not wait for the French to come to them.. Oh, and by the way, some 2005 vintage running rugby with some tries, please..
Complain about this post
this match will b tricky but i reckon come italy march 10th there needs 2 b a few more changes. give alfie the captaincy back, its quite funny how steven jones is captain while dwayne peel is captain of the scarlets. 2 do well we need 2 shake things up with steven jones on the bench. hook, shanklin and alfie bein our midfield. henson shud b on the bench not ceri sweeney who is absolute rubbish
Complain about this post
I liked this article in that it did provide a moments respite from some the 'slough of despond' I found myself in after the game last week.
I've just spent 20 minutes reading the thread and my brain is reeling - I kept wanting to grab a pen and write down notes :-)
However, I'm going to attempt to avoid a thesis and put some points together but first (in respect to one or two comments about origin of the POSTer) I'm Welsh, living in Berkshire, with an English partner who is a passionate Rugby supporter herself. I never for a moment thought Wales would win the 6N this year but dared to hope that we could come 3rd and challenge for 2nd (with all my fingers crossed)
The rugby played at Murrayfield was poor, it needs to be acknowledged as only by owning up to mistakes are performances improved.
The criticism of the Captain is warranted - Captains are the face of the team and they should take the blame. I like Jones but I feel that he shouldnt be Captain.
The real culprit is Jenkins - who has allowed personal emotions to drive his thinking. Just think of his inconsistent comments - Charvis not in because the back-row is performing well - while simultaneously saying he picks the 'best' people ... how can he not pick Colin, who must be the on-form flanker of the moment
Henson not in because he hasn't had the match-play and his form is in doubt. Oh yes? Well, explain Shane's selection then Mr. Jenkins! I watched Henson play several Heineken matches and his match play looked darn good to me.
Hook "not a number 10" oh yes? (I say no more about that one!) Those of us who follow Ospreys game have been talking about Hook well before his first showing with the Welsh shirt
Then this week Jenkins released a series of press broadsides about his 'astonishment' of the criticism that Wales have received ... and blamed the Press - who are only reporting the (strong) feelings of most Welsh people. Yes, we are passionate and have high expectations, just as you find in the world of Football in England. Rugby is out national passion and for some bizarre reason we have storng feelings about it ;-)
What most disappoints me is that I consistently supported Jenkins push for the position of Coach and now I'm staring at a man who, despite my hopes, gives every impression of placing personal views above talent and capability.
Saturday, I will be shouting at the TV set (again) but my heart tells me we are facing a potential hammer blow.
Oh yes, for Thorn ... and I will be supporting my partner and her team against Ireland - which is the right & proper thing to in my humble opinion - but, would I wear an English shirt? Never! :-)
P.S. Hmm, looks like I didnt avoid the thesis! Whoever you support this weekend - Pob Hwyl i Chi.
Complain about this post
Laporte is no fool. The French will most likely play a tight game, with the forwards trying to destroy the lighter Welsh. Then, and only then, will they play a running game.
France by 2 tries.
Ireland by 1. England certainly lacks pace but their defense is not that bad (except in Paris last year).
I fancy Italy over the Scots.
Complain about this post
Number 87,they were all good results however,in largely meaningless games,Southern hemisphere world cup wins 87,91,95,99says it all really.The majority of northern hemisphere sides merely make up the numbers in the tournament.I'm not English,but they are the only northern hemisphere side who can hold their heads up as beating the southern hemisphere when it mattered.Until Wales, Ireland and Scotland have won the world cup they cannot do the same.Can you honestly see any of the three doing it this time?Ireland should have taken the grand slam in 2005and this year but buckled under the weight of expectation,and Wales and Scotland are simply not equipped to deal with the likes of New Zealand,so yes southern hemisphere rugby has been,and remains, consistently better.Even the home unions combined failed to give the blacks a contest on the last lions tour.If people in the six nations would finally realise this perhaps we could implement the necessary steps and close the gap.
Complain about this post
I was at Stade De France in '05, will never forget the occasion. Hope the boys pull it off again today. Pob lwc i'r hogia'!!
Complain about this post
Thom (73), I think you're a bit of a star. As a welsh girl, I feel saddened by the treatment you have received; these occasions always seem to illicit the most extreme behaviour in some of my countryfolk, perhaps because there is so much at stake; like someone else said, its great to be passionate and see your team win but in the end, it is a game and we need to remind ourselves not to let it tear us asunder. We all have our teams and little tribalisms but for my own part, I consider the scots, english and irish as my country men and women (altho I know the republic is not part of the uk, we're close cousins) and where the rest of the world is concerned, I am a Brit and proud of it. God help Wales against the cunning French, I can hardly bare to watch...they seem to have a consistent and underlying level of self-belief that our lot (the brits) can only aspire to.
Complain about this post