At Least We Won

Phew Wales have done it! They ended their losing streak against Georgia with a scrappy but invaluable 18-0 victory in Llanelli. This very much had the feel of a second division match with Wales ranked nine taking on Georgia ranked twelve in the world rankings. Add to that a club ground with no spectators and it was hardly atmospheric. Wales, with an experimental side, knew to retain any form of credibility as a world force they simply had to win. In fairness, it was a match Wales never looked like losing but they never established sufficient lead to feel comfortable against a physical Georgian outfit. Just over a year ago Wales beat Georgia by over forty points in the RWC and at the moment we are happy to get any sort of win against them!

The good news was that the new boys did all right. Hardy and Sheedy were a decent half back pairing. Rees Zammit took his try well and had one storming run. Johnny Williams and James Botham battled hard and grew into the game. Whether they did enough to make the starting fifteen against England next week is debatable but the fact that there will need to be a debate at all is encouraging. Perhaps the most important aspect was the scrum which did really well against the renowned Georgian scrummaging. We really do need this to be a solid platform against England so I would go with the front row en bloc next week. The defence was solid although it was not severely tested by Georgia and it is always good to not give away any points.

The match itself was pretty forgettable with the conditions not really conducive to the open style of play we believe Wales are trying to adopt. A couple of decent tries from Rees Zammit and Webb (on as a substitute) were the highlights of a low quality, mistake-ridden affair. If the England team were watching they would hardly be quaking in their boots.

What of England? They dismissed the challenge posed by Ireland with a formidable defensive display at Twickenham. Despite being physically dominant, England did not really fire in attack which meant that the Irish just about managed to stay in touch throughout the game. Two opportunist tries from May, the second a brilliant solo effort from his own goal line, were all England had to show in an 18-7 victory. The Irish try from a chip kick over the onrushing England defensive line might be a clue for Wales next week.

Can Wales beat England? Of course they can but the need to go up a couple of levels in intensity and physicality and not give away too many penalties. Have we got the players to achieve this? It depends very much on match fitness and injuries.

In my view, the front five should be the same as yesterday with the exception of Alun Wyn Jones coming back in to replace Davies. The back row selection is entirely dependent on injuries but I do think Faletau should play. At half back, I would pair Dan Biggar with Lloyd Williams who has looked the sharpest scrum half in the recent matches. I would have Liam Williams at full back with North and Adams on the wings. The pairing Jon Davies and Owen Watkin is the safe option in the centre although hardly likely to set the world alight on current form.

I know you will say that we should give the younger players a chance but against a rampant England experience could count for a lot. The bench should be filled with the younger players apart from Tomas Francis. It might be advisable to have a six-two split in favour of forwards on the bench.

Well done Wales on your victory. We need to be thankful for small mercies these days.

Good luck to Wales against England

PS I hope Wales play in red jerseys. Perhaps the black jerseys yesterday reflected the country’s mood.