Wales Get That Victory at Last with a Stirring Performance

Well, what a day of rugby! I didn’t manage to get to Pontypool’s rearranged fixture against Swansea as I was in Cardiff to watch Wales play Italy and the logistics didn’t work to enable me to see both. From all accounts, Pooler put up a good show and were leading until just before the end. They lost the lead to a late Swansea penalty to lose 20-18.  I understand they had a last gasp chance to save the match but sadly it wasn’t to be.

The Triple Crown decider between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin resulted in a win for Ireland in a rip-roaring match. I did not see all of it but saw the closing stages on the screens in the Principality Stadium. Scotland gave it their all but came up just short with Ireland winning 43-21 which it seems was a little flattering for the hosts.

Back in Cardiff the Principality Stadium filled up nicely with a crowd of just short of 70,000 in good voice. The home fans hoping fervently that they could see a Welsh victory in the Six Nations after a long run of defeats. The fans of the now formidable Italian team hoping for their best ever season in the Championship after their victories over Scotland and England.

Wales played with a remarkable intensity that seemed to stun the Italians. The Welsh tackled fiercely and carried the ball with tremendous power with Wainwright again to the fore. Against all expectations Wales blew the Italians away in the first half and scored three converted tries all from powerful forward surges. Wainwright scored twice and captain Lake added the third to leave Wales 21-0 up at half time. Wales had built a decent lead against Scotland only to lose so there was still work for them to do if they were going to get that all important victory.

Wales kept it going in the early stages of the second half and added a converted try by Edwards and a snap drop goal also from Edwards. The lead was now 31-0 surely Wales could not blow this!

Italy made substitutions as did Wales and the Italians started to gain a degree of ascendancy and the Welsh defence had to work overtime to keep them out. Nevertheless, the Italians hit back with tries from DiBartolemeo and Allan one of which was converted to make it 31-12 with about ten minutes remaining. They went close on another couple of occasions only for the tries to be ruled out by the TMO. Italy were chasing bonus points rather than the win which was probably beyond them by that stage. It was left to Garbisi to bring the game to a finish with an unconverted try in the last minute to make the final score Wales 31 : Italy 17.

Wales continue on their improving trajectory and achieving a win will do wonders for their confidence. Yes, they tired towards the end and yes, more work needs to be done on sharpening their attacks but the defence is outstanding and the heart and attitude of the team has improved immeasurably. Long may it continue! Let us now hope all the other issues clouding Welsh rugby can somehow be resolved no matter how unlikely it seems at the moment.

The finale of the Six Nations was in Paris where England were the visitors. This was another humdinger of a match with a resurgent England pushing the champions elect all the way. England scored seven tries to Frances’s six but lost out 48-46 to a last gasp penalty from a seemingly nerveless Ramos. I wonder what Sean Edwards is thinking after France have shipped the best part of a hundred points in their last two matches.

The final table shows that France are indeed champions but only due to more bonus points. The big surprise is to see England in fifth place after being considered by many (in England) as potential champions.

Wales of course receive the wooden spoon again but can draw some solace from the way they have improved after the early drubbings from England and France. They really should have beaten Scotland and ran Ireland close.

 

 

So now it is back to domestic rugby and for Pontypool that means a home match against Cardiff next week. Hopefully Pooler’s victory in Cardiff in the Cup will give them the confidence to get the league win and give them the impetus to move away from the foot of the league table.

Come on Pooler!