Wales Wails

After Wales had suffered a rare home defeat to a revitalised French team, emotions ran high amongst the Welsh. There were plenty of “if onlys” and an incredulous “how could the ref only give a knock on” or two hundred as we made our way through the streets of Cardiff. Yes, Wales had lost 23-27 to France in a frantic game with its fair share of controversy.

In the cold light of a windy Sunday morning, you realise that France probably deserved to win. Their defence was strong and their kicking game actually put the Welsh players under pressure. These were the planks of their victory. In contrast, the Welsh kicking game just seemed to present the ball to the French on a plate - the occasional Dan Biggar special apart. It was difficult to discern a game plan for Wales but for France it was plain to see. It seemed that France were becoming old Wales and Wales were becoming a mixture of Scotland and old France before our very eyes. Not a pretty sight!

In truth, France did not create very much but relied on pressure to force Welsh mistakes and the home side duly obliged. A spilt ball from a high kick and an interception accounted for two of the French tries.  The French pack, as always, was strong and aggressive while for some reason Wales’ toughest and most abrasive forward Alun Wyn Jones was seen roaming out on the wing on several occasions.

Yet Wales still could have won this game as they certainly had enough possession and territory but found the French defence, a la Edwards, in their faces making things very difficult. It was all too frantic for Wales with seemingly little control. They ran the ball from their own twenty two but persisted in using countless forward drives when they got near the French line.

The major turning point in the game was probably the interception by Ntamack. It came when Wales had closed the gap to one point at 16-17 and were in the ascendancy in the third quarter. Wales were on the attack and looking dangerous and the next thing you knew Ntamack was sprinting eighty metres or so to score. Wales will also point to the moment when a French knock on denied Adams a try – was it deliberate? If so, it was a penalty try. The officials ruled it was accidental and that was that.

The game ended in disappointment after a promising last gasp attack from Wales fizzled out when Wales were penalised at a ruck. A scuffle broke out amongst the players as the final whistle went – not really what you want to see.

Wales had their share of injuries with North and Adams both needing to be replaced. North seemed to suffer yet another head injury and I wish him and Josh a speedy recovery.

I suspect we will hear the phrase " no need to panic" a few times over the next few days. Pivac and co will have to work some magic to get the team ready and competitive for the visit to Twickenham in a fortnight's time.

There was, however, some good news on a disappointing day. Pontypool had a 0-45 victory at near neighbours Pontypool United in the quarter final of the Ben Francis Cup. Next week Pooler return to league action with the visit of Ystrad Rhondda to Pontypool Park. Neath’s win over Bedwas yesterday means that the race for the Championship title probably now has only two runners: Pontypool and Bargoed. It promises to be tremendous run in from here on in.

All too many rugby clubs were affected by Storm Dennis with horrendous scenes of flooded clubhouses and grounds. I wish you all well on the road to recovery. Indeed, my good wishes goes to everyone who suffered flood damage. It has only happened to me once and I know how just how heartbreaking it is.

So it’s back to the important stuff next weekend while the Welsh team lick their wounds.

Come on Pooler!