Wales duly
completed their Six Nations programme with a visit to Paris. I was watching from
the comfort of my armchair and, as the first fifteen minutes of the match
unfolded, I was mighty glad I was there rather than in the Stade de France.
France came out of the blocks like Usain Bolt and Wales looked a bit like they
did in the second half in Murrayfield. Rather by luck then good play, they only
shipped fifteen points when in reality it could have been double that.
Thankfully
they started to get some measure of control and the reliable boot of Halfpenny
gradually closed the gap to 10-9 by half time. It was fast and loose and full
of handling errors by both teams in what seemed to be perfect playing conditions.
Wales were struggling manfully all over the field to contain the power and
weight of the French players and the scrum was a particular source of concern.
The second
half was more of the same with Wales even having the temerity to build a five
point lead through three more Halfpenny penalties with the French replying with
a penalty of their own. In truth, neither side seemed to have the composure to
score a try. It was attritional stuff with both teams suffering a series of
injuries. The introduction of Samson Lee seemed to shore up the Welsh scrum but
then Ball followed Wyn Jones off the field with injuries and Wales were left
with only one recognised second row forward.
As the
match entered what we thought were its final knockings, Wales had been forced
back deep into their twenty two but still held that five point lead. France
were awarded scrum five metres out as the final minute approached it looked
odds on that the powerful French scrum would prevail. There followed the most
bizarre passage of play I have seen on a rugby field. “The last play” lasted
almost twenty minutes as Wales desperately tried to keep the French from scoring.
There were penalties, sin-binnings, substitutions, injuries, allegations of
fake injuries, allegations of biting – you name it we had it! The most
surprising thing is that referee Wayne Barnes didn’t award a penalty try to
France. It could only end in one way and that was for France to score which
they eventually did as the cockerel crowed to signify the dawning of the next
day. The conversion was straight and true and Wales lost by two points (18-20). Mon
Dieu !
This was a
pretty low quality match and the only thing that will be remembered is the
almost farcical final twenty minutes. It was a match that Wales could have and,
maybe should have, won. The finishing, which had been much improved against the
Irish the previous week, seemed to disappear. The passing by the backs was not accurate
enough with men all too often having to take the ball standing still. Another
source of worry was the inability to secure the ball when the opposition kicked
off. Put together with the missed tackles and the retreating scrum, there were
certainly more negatives than positives.
The day
had started with Scotland v. Italy from Murrayfield with Scotland duly putting
the hapless Italians to the sword 29-0. It was another pretty low quality
affair but at least they had the excuse of difficult playing conditions as they
had to cope with rain and wind. Yet again the Italian goal kicking let them
down. They also created enough chances to score a try or two. On the other
hand. Scotland took their chances clinically and certainly deserved their win.
We then
moved over to Dublin for the climax of the Six Nations. Could the mighty
England claim a grand slam and a world record number of consecutive victories
or would the Irish find the inspiration to spoil the party? After rather
fortunate victories over France and Wales, England’s luck finally ran out. The
Irish were in uncompromising mood and tore into the English. On the day they
were better in all departments and the final score of 13-9 if anything flattered
England. As Wales had against the Irish the previous week, Ireland just seemed
to want it more. It was a rather crestfallen English team that trooped up to
receive the Six Nations Cup. They also still have a share in the most
consecutive victories and the record for the most consecutive games without
playing against New Zealand.
The final
weekend of the Six Nations did not really scale the heights in terms of the
quality of rugby and I would not think that the watching New Zealanders were
quaking in their boots. There was plenty of drama and tension and this made it
compelling to watch. Congratulations to England who were deserved champions by
virtue of recording the sole away victory in the matches only involving the top
five nations. I sometimes wonder whether the Six Nations Championship should
take place over two years rather than one so that each team could play each
other home and away.
The last
two weekends have certainly thrown up some dilemmas for the Lions selectors with
the formbook turned upside down by the Welsh victory over Ireland, the Irish
victory over England and, of course, the Scottish capitulation against England.
For what it is worth, my view is that the backs who have done themselves a good
turn are Webb, Sexton, Farrell, North and Hogg. That leaves a wing and centre
slot up for grabs. In the pack it is more difficult – it depends whether we
want to try and overpower the All Blacks or match them for athleticism and
handling skills. Why not both I here you say? The captain will most likely be a
forward with Best, Hartley, Wyn Jones and possibly Warburton in the frame. Best
clearly outshone Hartley yesterday and Owens of Wales edged it over Best the
previous week. Would Best get into the test team ahead of Owens or George? Both
Wyn Jones and Warburton have been part of the underachieving Wales team and
would they be guaranteed selection for the test team? Warburton has the benefit
of having captained the Lions before but seems to be playing much better now
that he has relinquished the Welsh captaincy. On balance, I think I might make
Best captain. Having done that, Best, Furlong, Itoje and Launchbury would be my
definites in the pack with four places up for grabs. The final selection would
be dependent on where Itoje plays. In modern rugby the strength of the forwards
on the bench is critical and it is good to note the strength in depth available
in the back row across all four nations. I am sure that there will plenty of
column space devoted to the Lions over the next month or so by men who are much
wiser than I. In the end it is down to Warren Gatland and his management team.
Next week we
are back to proper rugby again. Pontypool are back in league action at Cardiff
Metropolitan University knowing that a victory will clinch the championship. The
lively students always present a serious challenge when they are at full
strength in good playing conditions. Pooler will have to be their best that is
for sure.
Come on
Pooler!
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