Much Better by Wales but Still No Cigar

The wait for a Welsh victory in the Six Nations goes on. This time they came agonising close and were in the lead until there were less than five minutes remaining in the match against Scotland.

A really forthright performance from the Welsh pack coupled with a real determination by the whole team to tackle everything in a blue shirt that moved saw them build a fifteen point lead early in the second half. The Principality Stadium had really come alive and Scotland were on the ropes.

They say that losing becomes a habit and, despite the big lead, you still felt a certain nervousness about the Welsh ability to deliver that much needed victory. A Scottish try from Russell closed the gap to 20-12 and the natural pessimism of the Welsh began to creep in.

Another penalty from Wales steadied the nerves at 23-12. But then came the moment that transformed the match. A lack of Welsh concentration with the team seemingly oblivious of the fact that Russell had restarted the game. It led to a try from Graham straight from the kick-off.  The conversion sailed over and now it was 23-19 and the Welsh heads momentarily dropped when they realised the schoolboy error that had been committed. The balloon of their fragile confidence had been well and truly pricked. Momentum was now very much with Scotland.

Hard as Wales tried to keep Scotland out, the penalty count increased against them and Scotland were able to drive over for the crucial score from a lineout.  The scoreboard now showed 23-26 and you never really felt that Wales could comeback in the little time remaining. It was like a punch in the guts to lose this match at the last gasp. A match that hardly anyone expected Wales to win remember.

So, what went wrong after so many things had gone right? Wales were well in control in the first half but gradually lost control in the second half as Scotland stepped up their effort. The glaring error from the kick off apart, Scotland seemed to get stronger when they deployed their bench while Wales seemed to get weaker if anything. Rugby has become a twenty-three man game and developing strength in depth is crucial if Wales are to continue to improve going forward

The Welsh forwards had really stepped up with Wainwright to the fore but ably backed up by the rest of the pack. The intensity of their performance was outstanding. The Welsh lineout was rock solid which makes a pleasant change. Costelow at outside half had his best game for Wales and it was a real shame when he was lost to an injury at a crucial time in the match. Yes, this was more like the old Wales. Despite some deft passing at times by the backs, they still somehow lack a cutting edge. Of course, they were up against a posse of British Lions who were always going to make things difficult.

Well played Wales. You certainly gave the supporters something to cheer. It is just a pity that we didn’t secure a win in the final reckoning. Next up Ireland in Dublin – it doesn’t get any easier.

Talking of Ireland, they really got stuck into England at Twickers and came away with a stunning victory (21-42). The English apple chariot has been well and truly upset. It leaves Ireland and Scotland to battle it out for the Triple Crown in the finale of the Six Nations Championship. Who would have thought it?

Next Saturday Pontypool will now travel to Llandovery to take on the Drovers in the semi-final of the SRC Cup. Pooler will need to produce something special to secure a win in what is not the happiest of hunting grounds. Another artificial pitch - let us hope that the experience in Cardiff last week will stand them in good stead.

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!