This Brutiful Game

 

Saturday was a bit of a rugby marathon as I watched three live games on the TV. At the end of it all, I gained little satisfaction and it only served to reinforce just how much I am missing rugby in the flesh and Pontypool in particular.

On paper, the two English semi-finals looked likely to be close and competitive but for the impartial observer sadly this was not the case. In both cases it was power rather than artistry that won the day.

The Wasps’ pack, backed up by a canny scrum half and excellent goalkicking, was too strong for Bristol. In particular the Wasps’ back row was outstanding and I am pleased to say that Wales hopeful, lock Will Rowlands, also contributed forcefully. Jack Willis is some player that is for sure.

At Exeter, it was a similar story where Exeter’s cohesive power play eventually wore down Bath. This was real “rope-a-dope” stuff with Exeter soaking up Bath’s best punches before landing some killer blows themselves to pull well clear. I know it sounds fanciful but Exeter do put me in mind of Pooler in their pomp with their devastating last quarter in matches and their ability to be unstoppable from five metres from the opposition try line. They do like a Garryowen or two too!

That was two down and the final stanza was Cardiff Blues v. Connacht from the unusual venue of Rodney Parade. Cardiff did look pretty lively early doors playing with plenty of pace. They did not really capitalise fully on their initial dominance and slowly but surely Connacht came strongly into the match. This meant it became a close fought affair as Connacht monopolised possession and territory in the third quarter. Cardiff’s slender lead was all but wiped out and it began to look like an Irish victory. All credit to Cardiff Blues, they found the necessary inspiration and, with Josh Adams prominent, bounced back with a flurry of tries to take the spoils.

When I compare the Cardiff Blues with the top English sides there seems to be a definite power gap in the pack and this is also likely to be the case when Wales face England. The English Premiership is brutal battleground unlike the Pro 14. Wales can of course call on players such as Francis, Faletau and Rowlands who ply their trade in England and I think it would be wise to select all three.

Congratulations to Alun Wyn Jones, Warren Gatland and Gareth Thomas on their honours. All have been great servants to Welsh rugby and beyond. Rugby is a team game but there is still room for the recognition of outstanding contributions. There are still plenty of unsung heroes who give so much to the sport as I am sure the three gentlemen would be only too willing to admit. We should never forget them as rugby would not survive without them.

Wales will be embarking on their Autumn tests soon enough but this still won’t make up for the severe Pooler withdrawal symptoms.