Ireland Make History, Wales Ease the Misery

The Six Nations Championship reached its conclusion yesterday with three home wins. The most significant result was the Irish clinching the Grand Slam in Dublin against England. The pressure created by a highly expectant home crowd and the highly motivated English team trying to atone for the previous week’s debacle made Ireland’s predicted victory hard to come by. Indeed, until Steward’s sending off reduced England to fourteen men, the visitors were threatening to spoil the party. Still ,it all worked out well for the Irish as they came home 29-16. Cue a major celebration and record Guinness consumption. There is no doubt that Ireland deserved to be champions with their victory over France the key match.

So, what of Wales? They had to make the daunting trip to Paris to take on the French. France had trounced England at Twickenham the previous weekend so a handsome home victory was certain in virtually everyone’s eyes. Warren Gatland had picked an experienced team with virtually 1000 caps seemingly to avoid an embarrassing defeat.

Wales , however, started as they meant to go on playing at a higher pace and more freedom than thus far in the Six Nations Championship. They even had the temerity to score first with a try from North after the forwards had banged away at the French line.

The problem was that the French, although initially surprised by the Welsh approach, soon had things under control. In the rest of the first half, they built a substantial lead through two converted tries and two penalties and went in at halftime 20-7 to the good. Wales had given everything but the French held all the aces. Sitting at home I began to fear the worst – the second half could well be horrible. Should I break out the cognac and apply for French citizenship?

The second half started badly for Wales as the French broke tackles and made ground with ease. A try from man mountain Antonio increased the lead to 27-7. Gatland rang the changes but a few minutes later Fickou was over for a try and it was 34-7. This had all the hallmarks of a drubbing and I covered my head with a rug and thought of Pontypool.

What’s this have the French taking their feet of the gas? All of a sudden, Wales were resurgent and replacement hooker Roberts burrowed his way over for a try. Biggar converted and it was 34-14. At least we have scored more than England did against France I thought. Wales had momentum and sensed that the game was not quite over. With fifteen minutes to go Tomos Williams dived over to score their third try. It was now 34-21 – Wales were within two scores. Stranger things have happened – I tore up the application for French citizenship but the cognac bottle stayed close.

The French responded but the game was far more even and Wales still threatened. With a couple of minutes to go, France showed killer instinct after establishing a position in the Welsh twenty two. Penaud had the freedom of Paris after the pack had laid the foundations and strolled in for a try. The flawless kicking of Ramons continued and the French thought the game was over at 41-21.

The fat lady has not yet appeared on the stage and Wales were determined to end with a flourish. Some good work down the left flank saw Dyer get the ball. He had a couple of men to beat but, as slippery as an eel, he found a way through to score a try in the corner. Halfpenny converted and at the final whistle it was France 41 : Wales 28. Wales had actually got a bonus point! Sean Edwards is still seething I am sure.

This was much better from Wales. Although outclassed, they showed much more grit and determination and not a little flair. The truth is they were never going to beat the French but at least we did not see the capitulation of Edinburgh and they gave their fans something to cheer about. Wales have improved through the tournament and I am sure can improve further. Does Gatland know his best team yet? I very much doubt it. Then there is the mess that remains in Welsh rugby off the field…..

In Scotland, the Italians tried their damnedest but could not get the victory that their contribution to the tournament this year deserved. They really missed the cutting edge that Capuozzo provides against both Wales and Scotland and so despite creating plenty of chances are left with the wooden spoon. They will be a handful in the RWC I am sure.

With the Six Nations over, it is back to club rugby and there will be plenty of it. For Pontypool there is half a season’s rugby to be crammed into a couple of months. Promotion to the Premiership is still up for grabs although Lord knows what happens beyond that. Can someone get a grip please and stop all the rumour-mongering? Everyone hates uncertainty – especially sponsors.

Come on Pooler!