Wasteful Wales in Tale of Woe

There are many ways to contrive to lose a rugby match but throwing away what should have been a match-winning lead is one of the least palatable. This is exactly what Wales did in the Principality Stadium against Australia. Playing some of their best rugby, they built up a twenty one point lead against admittedly an understrength Aussie outfit and led 34-13 with just a quarter of the match left. They had been helped by Australian indiscipline which had led to two yellow cards, that is for sure, but still there was some impressive high speed off-loading rugby to admire.

What we do know about the Aussies is no matter who is playing for them they never think a game is a lost cause and they never give up until the final whistle. Watching from the stand, it was alarming to see how quickly the momentum switched to the Wallabies. A combination of yellow cards and what seemed to be unfathomable substitutions for Wales gave the Aussies just the opening they needed. Seemingly in the twinkling of an eye, the lead had disappeared and the players were shaking hands with Wales losing 34-39. Meanwhile in the stands, the Welsh supporters were shaking their heads in disbelief. All around there were mutterings about the future of the Welsh coaching team who had presided over this debacle.

To make matters worse, when we left the stadium it was absolutely peeing down with rain and I got thoroughly soaked making my way to the transport home. Such is the lot of the longsuffering Welsh supporter these days I am afraid. As the prices rocket, even I, an avid fan for sixty years or so, was left wondering if I really wanted to go on doing this.

I really don’t feel like analysing the match - I will leave that to those with sharper rugby brains than me. I will seek my solace in watching Pontypool which is altogether more enjoyable. Speaking of which, Pooler will be back in action against Bedwas next weekend as they continue their battle to gain promotion from the Championship.

I did get a little cheer when I caught the end of the England v South Africa test. Eddie’s crew looked to be well beaten and Eddie looked more than a little crestfallen.

It was sad to see the Welsh football team lose to Iran on Friday. They too lost right at the end but Iran did look the better side on the day. A win against England might still see them qualify out of the group but it does look unlikely. They have done remarkably well to reach the World Cup in Qatar whatever happens.

So, it’s Bedwas here we come.

Come on Pooler!