That Puts the Tin Hat on It

I am not quite sure whether you win the wooden spoon or lose it but Wales certainly earned it with a woeful display against a well-drilled Italian side.  The final score line of 21-24 is flattering as Wales scored two very late tries when the game was already lost and the Italians had relaxed at 7-24.

Where do I begin? First, we must congratulate the Italians who played with verve and look transformed from the serial losers of a few years ago. They have a developed a good all round team with strong forwards and exciting backs. They must be delighted with this year’s Six Nations campaign with two wins and a draw and a narrow defeat by England. Yes, it can be done with only two professional teams.

Wales were awful yesterday particularly in a woeful first half. They had possession and territory but virtually the whole team was guilty of making a series of cock-ups that the under-elevens would be dismayed by. The only thing that functioned well was the lineout the rest was way off the required standard. The only surprise was that Wales only conceded eleven points.

The second half was little better with Italy scoring a brilliantly conceived try to lead 0-17. Wales continued to misfire much to the frustration of the crowd. They still had enough possession but the Italian defence seemed to know exactly what they were going to do and forced errors. There was a total lack of innovation – haven’t the coaching team got any bright ideas?

Wales finally got on the scoreboard with a try by Dee to make it 7-17 but really it was too little too late. Incredibly the front row was not substituted and looked out on their feet which didn’t help. Grady came on in the centre and made a considerable impact as did Rowlands in the second row. Sadly, Wales conceded two kickable penalties which foiled any chance of a late Wales victory. The Italians gleefully converted the penalties to open up an unassailable 7-24 lead with only a few minutes remaining.

There was time for Rowlands and Grady two bag a couple of consolation tries but by then the Welsh fans were already streaming out into a soaking wet Cardiff seeking a stiff drink. Played five lost five and the wooden spoon. Can it get much worse than that?

I do feel sorry for George North. This was his last game after a glittering career. He was one of the few Welsh players who played to something like his best and must have been devastated to leave like this. Thanks George you have been a credit to Wales and good luck for the future.

So, what now for Wales? On the positive side they have blooded several promising young players. The question is will they manage to reach the levels of the illustrious names that they will replace. I certainly hope so. I can’t help feeling that there need to be some changes in the coaching set up as the team seems short on ideas and the rest of the world is rapidly leaving them behind. The poor form of the Welsh regions is certainly not helping and the poor performance of the Welsh team will make the finances that much tighter. It is a depressing picture.

Congratulations to Ireland on winning the Six Nations Championship they were the best team. France secured second place with a last gasp victory over a resurgent England.

Now it is back to club rugby for me and Pontypool’s visit to Neath next weekend. It should be a good game between these old rivals.

Come on Pooler!