Recently in Wales versus... Category
Well, well well....the moment we all knew was coming is about to arrive.
We can try to be excited about France v England--but really it seems blaze' Martin Johnson has made a few slips in his picking but eh. White or Blue--one will win one will lose. THen Aussies v RSA--won't be an easy win, but Habana is playing with injury and Botha is out....Look for little O'Connor to score some tries and a win for Aussies. I"m not even gonna go into All Blacks v Argentina--again, not easy but come on. It's next week's semifinal between the Aussies and All Blacks that's got my engine purring!
So let's face it, this IS the match of the weekend.
Our team looks good--Jenkins, Bennett, A. Jones, Charteris, AWJones, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Priestland, Williams, Roberts, Davies, North, and Halfpenny....did I say that YES I DID! FINALLY! Halfpenny at 15! This is gonna be fun. (I just wish my fantasy team was set up to put HP in that position....whomever does it, will be pleased.)
Saturday is the culmination of two teams epic road through the Pool stages of Rugby World Cup 2011. The Celtic region hasn't been buzzing this much since well possibly St. David's Day. The pubs will be the land of red and green tonight in LA (tomorrow morning to many of you).
Alot of pressure is put on the two captains...Warburton and O'Driscoll, but I think there's more to these teams than that. There are spots of weakness on both sides....HP at 15, is it too soon? too green there? and Ireland..Is Best's shoulder ready for the Welsh front row? All in all Wales look good, physically we are at 100% and as long as we keep our heads we'll see a repeat of the 6Nations match. Ireland has alot of confidence bolstering behind them. And we are 8 months past the 2011 Welsh defeat of the men in green.
But our biggest problem as Welsh fans is to put the burden of a win or loss on one or two key players...and that's just it, they are key players not the only players. It is as a team that Wales will win or lose this game. One spectacular try dive won't. Neither will one scrum, one drive, one ruck, one lineout or one anything else. Ireland don't play that kind of rugby. if they slip up, it will be the only time they slip up and they bounce like basketballs back to form.
We cannot wait for mistakes, we must attack and defend with equal measure. Take advantage of what we can, but strike when we see a window. That will be how we win this game.
So COME ON WALES! xo
(PS regarding my comments about Eng v France--please note, I have a bet with a non-bicycle helmet wearing English bloke. The bet is that Wales will get at least as far as England in the RWC. So forgive me now, but just in case the impossible happens, I may have to cheer on France. you see that's the other reason that Wales will win--God can't allow me to cheer for France... *smiles*)
Our Welsh rugby bloggers
Jamie Powell
I’m Jamie Powell, a Welsh rugby exile living in east Sussex. My parents are from Ebbw Vale so growing up there was only one team for me to support! I watch all the Wales games and also try and watch as many club games as possible. I have also started to go to London Welsh games.
Lauren Murphy
Exiled Wirraller and Ospreylian trapped in the capital; by day I sort out the lives of others but by weekend I report on all things rugby for the womenfolk of this fair hemisphere.
When I’m not aiding and abetting the hot flushes of the femmes of terraces around the land, I help report on the RaboDirect Pro12 for some of the more serious websites, so I’ll be here to bring you the lighter side of goings on.
Jon North
My name is Jonathan North and as head photographer for Welsh photographic agency ASI I get to see a lot of Welsh rugby from up close. Through my work I enjoy rugby at all levels from the local club game right through to the national side.
In my blog I try and share my experiences from pitchside and the opinions that form there. As well as that I also include my latest photographic work to accompany my tales from the touchline.
Simon Lister
I live in Birmingham, raised in Swansea, I’ve just turned 32. I live with my wife, I’m a Welsh rugby fan as well as a huge Swans and Ospreys fan. Myself and a group of friends go away to Edinburgh/Ireland every year for the away fixture in the Six nations.
I get more excited about the Six Nations than I do about Christmas. It’s going to be a very difficult campaign with expectation very high due to us making the semi-finals of the World Cup. We have very difficult away fixtures in Dublin & Twickenham. I manage to follow most regional games on the internet so I’m able to see who’s in form etc. I shall be in Dublin in February for the fixture. I’m looking forward to seeing the Welsh players back at their regions, hopefully they will maintain their high standards.
Kumari Tilakawardane
I'm a student from North Wales – where, believe it or not, we know as much about rugby as do those in the south! I am a former captain of the Gogledd Cymru Girls U18 Team as well as being a qualified coach and referee.
I fancy I could give Gatland a run for his money and I'm almost always convinced I'm right and the ref's wrong – something I have in common with most of Wales I think, particularly after recent events...
As a lock and Number 8 I am an ardent supporter of the pack. Not one to shy away from confrontation on the field, the same goes for my reporting. Currently located in London, living with the enemy, so to speak... I have to make my opinion heard down here. So, let me hear you... Come on Cymru!
Rene Merideth
American with Welsh heritage and a deep love of Welsh rugby in her blood. So much so I blog from Los Angeles where International games are on at 6am!
Seb Barrett
My name is Sebastian Barrett. I'm from Cardiff. Like most Welshmen, I view rugby as the be all and end all.
Paul Williams
34 years old, but I look 44. I work in advertising and if rugby OCD is a legitimate syndrome, then I have it.
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