I worry for Wales in the group of death this year - not just because I think they believe they are better than they really are and may get "another" shock but the order of the fixtures does not help - South Africa up first wanting to make a statement - and just a week later Samoa on the back of a great result against Australia - both of these games are VERY physical and one needs to be won and then backed up with a win over the fast and furious Fiji.
I would NEVER say this if I were Welsh (and here lies the start of the point of this article) - but as a neutral (i would rather Wales went through)my thoughts are maybe Wales should play a weakened side against the Boks and concentrate on having a fullyy fit and ready side to take on the Samoans, they can then have 2 weeks off in preperation for Fiji whilst the seconds thrash Namibia.
It seems common sense to me BUT...........................
Firstly - as I mentioned - surely the Welsh wouldnt accept this - in fact more than half would probably be expecting a win against the Boks despite their record ....... Wales are still one of the super powers arnt they???? surely they are not going to accept second as their primary target.
Secondly - if they do - is this the start of the rot for the NH teams? just plainly accepting that they are so far in front we may as well scratch it off - England got well and trully Walloped in 07 by the Boks but I was at that game and expected to leave with a victory. I think that Wales have a major responsibility to put out a full team and tbh we could do with a few wins against the South in this world cup - this could be a major marker for the Northern hemisphere - that we are here to win not just take part - at the same time - unlike in 07 - if Wales get thrashed first game - it will give the SH teams a major lift as a whole and we dont want that
Its more than just a game this fixture - we need a Welsh win!
Wales v The Boks - More than just a Game
posted on 31/8/11
Wales are clearly the form team of the NH so will put out the strongest team possible and go for the win against SA.
Once won, the pressure will ease slightly and confidence will grow. We will put the lucky Irish to the sword in the quarter after their already settled group finishes them second, behind Aus.
After that clean sweep, it'll probably be NZ in our semi (or maybe France if they've managed to do their usual one great game) and on to probably, Aus in the final, who got a lucky win against England in the other Semi.
There you go..... Anyone's final then
posted on 31/8/11
well if Wales win and restore the self belief in the NH sides we could see Eng v Ire in the semis with Ireland cursing the day they played the warm up in Dublin and lost the hold they had over England and Wales playing NZ who had managed to beat the French but at the cost of injuring most of their first XV and scraping through to fall at the last leaving Englands first XV to finally play Wales in the final
posted on 31/8/11
Sounds like a plan...... I Like it!!
(Wales win in the final, as we did in our last run out....)
posted on 31/8/11
I agree. I could not contemplate accepting the game against the Saffers as already lost.
It's probably because I know that either Samoa or Fiji could beat us so we can't afford to give away a cheap loss to anyone.
Also, I firmly believe that the best sides grow from challenges, while the pretenders hide from them.
posted on 31/8/11
In it to Win it!! No Compromise!!
posted on 1/9/11
hey dont write us off yet boyos. its not like we can become a bad team overnight. no no no we need time to becaome a bad team. how does 4 weeks and 4 losses sound and darcy injured and BOD pretending hes not, and wally out of the WC, and a manager who keeps selecting 5ft 8in children in the centre against 6ft 2,3 or 4 monsters. and a manager who keeps telling us it will be ok assuming that the general irish public won't notice because he has a soft voice and a friendly smile...
Nope were still in the hunt al-right!
posted on 1/9/11
I havnt written you off Ding - you will be fine upto the Semi - finals
posted on 11/9/11
That performance has sent a clear message out to the SH - we are all here to compete - Well Done Wales