In the dark depths of November, I have to admit I
never thought that we would be celebrating Wales winning the Triple Crown in
2021. Yesterday’s stunning victory over England sealed the deal and to a large
extent expunged the memory of the poor run that had gone before. Sure, there
was some luck along the way but the improvement from game to game and the tremendous
spirit in the squad is there for all to see. As all involved freely admit, there
is still plenty to work on but for now let’s celebrate.
The game against England was yet another roller
coaster that had me cheering and agonising almost in equal measure. The first
half was bizarre with Wales benefiting from two controversial tries. The first
a bit of quick thinking from Dan Biggar when his precision kick found Josh
Adams in space from a Welsh penalty. When the penalty was awarded, the referee signalled
time off and asked Farrell to talk to his team about the mounting number of
infringements. A few seconds later he blew his whistle and signalled time on.
Before England had a chance to gather their wits, Biggar had put Adams in. The
English protested to no avail. Quick thinking or refereeing error each camp
will have its own ideas on that. Suffice it to say the seven points went on the
scoreboard. In any case it would have been an easy three points from a kick at
goal.
The second Welsh try looked for all the world to be a
knock on by Rees Zammit at first sight. Forensic examination by the match
officials ruled that it was not and Liam Williams who had gathered the loose
ball could claim his try. This gave Wales a healthy 17-6 lead with half time
approaching. Wales tactical kicking was not the best and gave England ample
opportunities to run the ball back at them. The excellent Watson was on hand to
score in the corner and although the conversion failed a Farrell penalty just
before half time closed the gap to 17-14 and it was all to play for. The
worrying thing for Wales was that England looked to be able to make good ground
when they ran the ball.
Biggar was replaced by Sheedy early in the second half
and he was to play a key role. First though, a quickly taken tapped penalty from
the alert Hardy saw him scoot over from twenty metres out as the English
defence were caught napping. Wales had established a ten point lead at 24-14. A
rather off-colour Jon Davies was replaced by Halaholo and a wealth of experience
had departed the scene with half an hour remaining. Could Wales hold out?
England came storming back. A penalty from Farrell and
a try by Youngs and they were back level at 24-24 with just over a quarter of
an hour left on the clock. England were bringing on some heavy artillery as
they brought on their forward replacements. Wales too brought on their
replacements who seemed to relish the challenge. This was going to be tough!
A combination of Welsh pressure and English indiscipline
decided the outcome. England gave away three kickable penalties and Sheedy
dispelled all doubts about his ability to kick under pressure. He slotted them
with aplomb with each one bringing Wales nearer to victory as the clock ticked
down.
England weren’t done and attacked furiously but a
smart interception by Sheedy sent Rees Zammit racing down the field in pursuit
of the fly half’s kick ahead. This time the awkward bounce of the ball was the
winner but England had knocked on right on their line. England knew full well
that the game was up and it was left to Hill to apply the coup de grace with a
try under the posts from short range in the last minute. This was converted by
Sheedy and brought up the try bonus point. Wales had won 40-24 and had scored
sixteen points in the last fifteen minutes.
I felt quite drained as I sat on the couch watching
the post match interviews. I found the interviews of Farrell and Eddie Jones poorly
judged and almost excruciating as the interviewer desperately tried to goad
them into blaming the referee. Thankfully they weren’t to be drawn.
Did Wales deserve to win? Of course they did. England
had their chances but poor discipline let them down, Wales seized their chances
with alacrity. That’s rugby.
Well done Wales, you proved me wrong for one. It is
now on to Rome to face Italy who were on the wrong end of a drubbing by Ireland.
No game can be taken lightly and Wales have come unstuck in Rome before now so
there is no room for complacency. It should be all set up for a showdown
against France in Paris on the final weekend. This wretched pandemic may well
have other ideas of course.
On a more parochial note, it is great to see the renovation
work at Pontypool Park progressing so well. I am missing watching the Pooler –
Saturday afternoons are just not the same. Let us hope we can start rugby again
soon but that will not not be until September I fear.
That was brilliant Wales - I am sure you have lifted
the spirits of the nation in these troubled times.
Have a great St David’s day everyone.
Nicely summed up.
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