Welsh Rugby
Posted: February 28th, 2005 | Author: Foamcow | Filed under: Vintage | | Comments Off
What a game!
Saturday’s match against France in the RBS 6 Nations was simply stunning. It’s been a long time since I’ve got that excited over watching Wales play rugby, but it was like the old days again.
When I was a kid I would watch proudly as Wales dazzled all with their rugby prowess. Wales were a force in world rugby. I was inspired to play the game, I wore the jersey, I had Barry John boots, I wanted to play for my country. Even Max Boyce had some sort of justification.
Then it went dark. For years Wales put on performances that made me almost embarrassed. They played like a bad school team. It was a sad, sad thing to watch my once hallowed team play so poorly. At least Boyce went quiet.
In recent years Wales have shown promise, but never really delivered. There has been that threat of greatness that never quite came to fruition. Sometimes through no fault of their own. The games against the “big” teams, The All Blacks, England (hehe) etc. left me feeling that something was coming.
Then this RBS 6 Nations it happened. Wales looked good again.
The opening match against England was a delight, but I had a feeling that Wales had been lucky.
The game against Italy went as I would expect. Italy aren’t the greatest rugby nation after all. Even so, they aren’t completly useless and I think I was a little suprised at the final score margin.
I was dreading the French game. Even though France had performed badly they always have that potential. And being French they are naturally contrary. So it was with some trepidation that I sat down to watch the match on Saturday.
Oh dear, after France scored twice in the first 20 minutes I had resigned myself to a Welsh defeat. But fair play, they hung in there. France were bloody good though!
Then in the second half, what happened! I can still hardly believe it. It was like the old days again, when Wales would run rings around the opposition. It really was magical to watch and I was close to passing out by the final whistle with Wales winning 24-18.
The BBC report of the game is much better than anything I could write
Both sides should be commended on playing one of the most exciting and memorable games of rugby I have ever seen.
My greatest relief came when I realised it would still be allright to drink Kronenbourg 1664.
Here’s looking to, dare we say it, the Grand Slam? No, it couldnt’ happen… or could it. I’m scared to think of it. At least we could win the tournament… could we? With Scotland and Ireland to play, it could happen. I’m excited.
Let’s just hope Boycey doesn’t make a comeback.
