The Changing of the Welsh Guard

One of the consequences of going away for a week is you miss valuable Pooler time. It is a difficult balance to achieve but a bit of winter sunshine goes some way to atoning for missing a couple of matches. Anyway, Pooler managed perfectly well without me beating Maesteg Quins 33-0 in the Championship and beating Brynmawr 0-29 in the Ben Francis Cup. My spies tell me that the Maesteg Quins game was a job well done in atrocious conditions – perhaps a bit of sun wasn’t such a bad option after all.

I did get back in time to watch the Wales v Barbarians match on the TV. In a lot of ways, it was a typical Barbarians match with plenty of open rugby and plenty of tries. This of course was Wayne Pivac’s first game in charge of Wales with his predecessor, the redoubtable Warren Gatland, coaching the opposition. Injuries etc. had shorn Wales of a number of Gatland’s stalwarts so it was interesting to see how the rejigged team would do against a scratch team with nothing to lose. The final score line at 43-33 is exactly what you would expect from this kind of fixture. There were some standout performances from three Scarlets in the pack with Ken Owens and Wyn Jones looking fit and raring to go and Jake Ball whole-heartedly taking on the main ball-carrier role. Wales were prepared to run the ball at every opportunity but maybe this was more about the context than what we can expect in more serious encounters in the future. Still Wales won and showed plenty of flair and there didn’t seem to be any serious injury problems – happy days!

Good luck to Wayne Pivac and the new coaching team they have a tough act to follow. Thanks to Warren Gatland and his team for many happy memories.

Welsh regional rugby appears to be in disarray yet again. Rather like Brexit it is a running sore but I don’t really want to discuss it here. It seems almost incurable.

Next week Pontypool visit newly promoted Glamorgan Wanderers in the Championship. The Wanderers have made impressive progress so far with only two defeats out of nine starts and will be keen to show what they can do against the league leaders. It should be a cracker.

Come on Pooler!

Pontypool Master the Students – Eventually

Cardiff Met University has proved a testing venue for Pontypool over the years. Even though Pontypool had put the students to the sword the previous weekend in the National Cup at Pontypool, we knew this was likely to be an altogether tougher encounter. Conditions were perfect for rugby on a cool, dry, virtually windless day with the pitch looking firm.

The early exchanges were pretty even with Cardiff Met as usual looking lively with ball in hand. It was indeed the home team that opened the scoring with a try by McVeigh in the right corner after some breathtaking running from the backs. Lloyd slotted the conversion from the touchline and it was game on (7-0).

A few minutes later Pooler hit back following a strong surge from No 8 Jones who made good ground from his own twenty-two. The support arrived on cue and after some interpassing Thomas crossed for a try in the left corner. Meek converted and it looked like we were in for a close encounter (7-7).

The home side were proving difficult to contain and frequently left Pooler’s defenders clutching at air but it was Pontypool who scored next when Meek broke through a series of would-be tackles to score a try that he converted to edge the away side ahead at 7-14.

The second quarter really belonged to Cardiff Met who threatened to score on a number of occasions as the pace of their backs continued to trouble the Pooler defence. The students’ cause was helped by Pontypool getting on the wrong side of the referee and conceding far too many penalties with a few of the decisions failing to impress the Pooler faithful. The scrambling Pontypool defence somehow managed to stop the students from scoring a try but they did concede two kickable penalties that Lloyd converted which left the score at half time Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 14.

The Pontypool team had looked a little perplexed as the half ended and made their way to the corner of the pitch for a tutorial with Leighton Jones. I suspect a few words of wisdom were shared with the team and, after the steam had cleared, we expected a better performance in the second half.

The outcome of the match was really determined in the first ten minutes of the second half. Pontypool did not get off to the good start that they craved. Instead they conceded two kickable penalties in the first five minutes. Unfortunately for Cardiff Met, Lloyd was off target with both and Pontypool heaved a sigh of relief. A minute or so later, a Cardiff Met quickly taken lineout went wrong. Pontypool wing Thomas not only tackled his man but pinched the ball. He managed to get the ball away and it was hooker Ball who scored Pooler’s third try. Meek converted and the lead had increased to 13-21 – still not decisive but we breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost straight for the restart, Pooler skipper Matthews broke clear and fed scrum half Leonard. Leonard showed blistering pace leaving the chasing defenders in his wake as he galloped over for a try. Meek converted and from nowhere Pontypool had opened a sizeable lead at 13-28.

Cardiff Met had to throw caution to the wind and ran everything. The Pontypool defensive line speed was much improved from the first half and this led to plenty of errors from the home team. This in turn led to attacking opportunities for Pooler as they seized the loose ball.  The attrition rate was high and there were lots of injuries and substitutions and this ultimately led to uncontested scrummaging in the final quarter.

From such a scrum close to the home line, Pontypool right wing Lewis was put into a gap and scored their fifth try which was again converted by Meek (13-35) and the game was effectively put to bed.

Five minutes later, the Pontypool gasman, Lewis, showed his searing pace as he tore down the right wing to score his second of the afternoon after another turnover. The conversion sailed wide but Pooler were now 13-40 to the good.

Openside flanker Stratton has been in fine form for Pontypool this season and it was he who fittingly scored Pontypool’s seventh and final try of the afternoon as he seized upon a loose ball and sprinted from virtually the halfway line to score under the posts. Meek converted to bring his personal tally to seventeen points. Final score Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 47.

Well, a bonus point win for Pontypool so mission accomplished. This was far from straightforward particularly in the first half as the lively students asked plenty of questions of the Pontypool defence. Things improved in the second half as Pooler’s greater strength told and, in the end, they came away with a solid victory. Whilst there were no yellow cards, there still must be some concerns about the number of penalties conceded which might prove expensive on another day.

Congratulations to Clayton Gullis on his 150^th appearance. He is a great club servant and fine player – long may he continue.

I did watch the club video “Pontypool RFC: One Game” and even though I knew the ending I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not for those of a nervous disposition in some places though!

I haven’t watched much European rugby on the TV but I did see Gloucester v Toulouse. In my mind I still think of Gloucester as the “Poor man’s Pontypool” but these are just the ramblings of an old man and times have certainly changed. Toulouse certainly looked impressive in their victory and will be serious contenders. All the Welsh regions have started well in the Challenge Cup while the Ospreys minus their RWC contingent were well beaten by Munster in the Champions Cup.

The appointment of Sam Warburton in the Wales coaching setup is an interesting one. I wish him and Pooler old boy Byron Hayward well as Sean Edwards will be a tough act to follow.

So back to Pontypool. The Championship looks to be boiling up nicely with a three horse race developing. Pontypool plus Gwent rivals Bargoed and Bedwas are still all unbeaten. So far they have all avoided playing each other but something will have to give. Pontypool play Bargoed in mid-December and then Bargoed play Bedwas at the end of December and this will give us a better idea of the relative strengths.

The National Cup draw was relatively kind to Pontypool with the coveted home draw and a match against Carmarthen Quins in prospect in January. We did manage to beat them a couple of years back so we have a good chance in what will be a stiff challenge.

Next Saturday Pontypool entertain Maesteg Quins – sadly I am unable to attend but I will be thinking about Pooler and keeping the twitter feed close by.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler’s Cup Runneth Over

Pontypool were back in action after a week off this time for a WRU National Cup tie against familiar opponents in Cardiff Met University. Cardiff Met can be a bit of an unknown quantity as they can choose from literally hundreds of rugby players and play in both the Welsh Championship and the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super League. What is known, however, is that whoever takes the field they will be fit and athletic and well coached. Some of Pontypool’s closest encounters have been against Cardiff Met in recent years particularly in Cyncoed. The contests are normally high scoring and enjoyable to watch.

Pontypool played up the slope in the first half on a cold damp day and were on the defensive for the first few minutes as the students dominated possession. The Pontypool defence stood firm and then, from their first meaningful possession, Meek gathered his own kick ahead and some slick passing left room for left wing Thomas to squeeze in for a try in the left corner. Meek’s conversion narrowly missed but Pooler had seized the initiative (5-0).

The game was evenly contested for the rest of the first quarter as the Cardiff Met backs proved a handful for the home defence and Pontypool leaked a few penalties. Just as the quarter drew to a close, Pontypool wing Lloyd Lewis was very harshly yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on when he attempted an interception. Moments later, Cardiff Met capitalised on their superior numbers with a try by Nelson that was converted by Mattin (5-7).

Pontypool were stung into action and, in the space of a few minutes, showed what interceptions were all about. First Sparks intercepted and galloped thirty metres or so to score and moments later, not to be outdone, Thomas intercepted and sprinted in for a try from forty metres. Both tries were converted by Meek and the game had been transformed in a flash with Pooler building a 19-7 lead.

The second quarter was all Pontypool and they produced some scintillating rugby to put the students to the sword. It started in pragmatic fashion with a series of driving lineouts that Cardiff Met stopped illegally. Inevitably this led to a yellow card with Geary the one of many who could have been punished. Hodge ploughed over for a converted try soon after and Pooler were looking dominant at 26-7.

A few minutes later, Lloyd Lewis was given what looked like a tiny bit of room to work with near the right touchline and he beat three defenders to score in the corner. Meek was kicking well and converted from wide out (33-7).

As the half drew to a close, an expertly judged kick ahead by the imperious Powell was gathered and he put the supporting substitute scrum half Leonard in for a try. The conversion was a formality for Meek and Pontypool had surely put the game to bed with a 40-7 half time lead. After a slow start, Pooler had played some excellent rugby and could be well satisfied with the opening stanza.

The second half started well for Pooler when a turnover by the lively Stratton gave Leonard the opportunity to race in for his second try. This was again converted by Meek and Pooler were approaching the half century at 47-7.

Pooler added an eight try when Powell made a break and found the supporting Mahoney on his elbow. The full back cantered home for the try that Meek converted from wide out to bring up the fifty points with the scoreboard showing 54-7.

There followed wholesale substitutions from both teams and as usual the game lost its way as the teams settled down. Cardiff Met settled quicker and after concerted forward driving scored their second try through Malkin which was converted by Evans (54-14).

Play was scrappy for the next fifteen minutes or so with Pontypool struggling to find their rhythm and the Cardiff Met substitutes making their presence felt. The deadlock was broken by a peach of a try from the home side. Lloyd Lewis in from the wing took the ball at pace and broke through the first line of defence. Ball playing on the flank was exactly where he should have been in support and, in turn, he found Leonard steaming up on an excellent line. The scrum half dotted down to complete his hat trick of tries. The conversion failed but Pooler were back on track (59-14).

Pooler worked their way down field again and Marcus Jones was unlucky not to score in the corner. Pooler had established good field position and won a lineout close to the students’ line. An expertly worked front peel from the lineout saw Hughes score in the left corner. Meek again converted making the difficult kick look easy (66-14).

As the match drew to a close, the Pontypool defence rather went to sleep and Morris grabbed a late consolation try for the visitors which was converted by Evans. Final score: Pontypool 66 Cardiff Met 21.

Another dominant display from Pontypool against lively opposition. It was just the tonic needed to combat RWC withdrawal symptoms. All eyes will now be on the quarter final draw that takes place on Tuesday. As always, a home draw would be preferable but, on this form, Pooler shouldn’t fear anybody. Cardiff RFC look to be the Cup favourites after their demolition of Ebbw Vale on Friday evening.

As fate would have it, Pontypool face the same opposition next Saturday in the league but this time away in Cyncoed. Despite this big win, Pooler know that this will be anything but plain sailing.

Come on Pooler!

It’s All Gone Quiet Over There

Well the Rugby World Cup is done and dusted. England seem to have gone from heroes to zeroes in the space of twenty four hours in the eyes of the media with barely a mention of yesterday’s RWC final on the radio this morning. South Africa’s power and mightily effective game plan did to England what England had done to the All Blacks in the semifinal. Yes, South Africa are the champions and thoroughly deserved to win yesterday. England have had a great tournament but just couldn’t get back to the level that they had reached the previous week.

When I reflect on the RWC, it is clear that a good big one will virtually always beat a good little one. Winning rugby is currently all about power and stifling defence coupled with pressure generated by countless box kicks from the scrum half. It is about preying on mistakes while trying not to make any mistakes yourselves. In the Northern Hemisphere the winners are the ones who do this best. Sadly it seems this is now applying in the Southern Hemisphere too. In the RWC there was some delightful rugby from the Japanese, the Fijians and of course New Zealand but ultimately it couldn’t trump power.

The power of the players and the shuddering impacts during the games bring with them a high injury toll and in a tournament the length of the injury list can have a big effect on the final outcome. It begins to sound like gladiatorial combat or even war.

Yesterday’s showpiece was a penalty fest for the first hour or so with all eyes turned to the referee at every breakdown and scrum waiting to see which way his raised arm pointed. It is such a lottery sometimes that I am sure the casual observer (like everyone else!) is completely bamboozled. Fortunately the Springboks brightened up the game with a couple of good tries or it would have been a pretty poor advertisement for rugby union.

Did I enjoy the RWC? Yes I did - although being a Welsh supporter it was full of anxious moments as Wales clawed their way into the semi final. The Japanese organised everything very well with their usual attention for detail and they coped remarkably with the typhoon. I cannot imagine French children learning the Japanese, Welsh and Fijian national anthems in four years time.

I shall miss the early morning entertainment that is for sure. At least there might be something other than English rugby in the Sunday papers this morning but then if the alternative is Brexit and the election perhaps it would have been better if England had won.

Roll on next Saturday and Pontypool Park.

Diolch Warren

There was to be no fairy tale ending to Warren Gatland’s reign as Wales coach. New Zealand duly gave Wales a lesson in support play and explosive running to secure third spot in the RWC by a margin of 40-17. It could have been a lot worse but an unfamiliar Welsh line-up hung in there to the bitter end and even managed to score a couple of tries themselves. The contrast between this match and the dour semi final against South Africa could not have been greater as both sides threw the ball about with gay abandon. As you might expect, the All Blacks were much better at it than Wales and hence the final result. For Wales, Josh Adams was the stand out player and has certainly enhanced his growing reputation over the course of the RWC. Everyone else tried their hardest but man for man they are just not as explosive and skillful as the New Zealanders. We did not really have the personnel to do an England on them and stifle their every move. It made for an entertaining spectacle anyway.

Before the RWC would we have been satisfied with a semi-final? Realistically I think so and other fancied sides fell by the wayside. It has been a hard slog for Wales with every game bringing its own challenges and this is underlined by the injury list. They can return to Wales with their heads held high. The Six Nations is just around the corner let us hope that the injuries are not to serious.

The Six Nations will bring with it a new coaching team for Wales. They will do well to match Warren Gatland’s success rate – I wish them good luck as he will be a tough act to follow with the limited player base that we have in Wales.

I would like to thank Warren Gatland and the squad for many memorable moments and much enjoyment as a Welsh fan. We may not have played the prettiest rugby at times but we found a way to win – at least against Northern Hemisphere opposition!  Good luck for the future Warren.

Tomorrow, I think I heard on the radio or did I read it in the newspaper, there is the small matter of the RWC final with a super confident England side playing the Springboks. It seems that the result is a formality or so the individual playing ratings in the papers would have it. Let us hope for a good game and may the better team win.

Once tomorrow is done, we can return to club rugby with Pontypool back in action next weekend. It will be Cardiff Met University in the Cup at Pontypool Park. Should be a good game.

Hard luck Wales!

Come on Pooler!