Most Welsh fans were totally gutted with the loss against the Boks. Many agreed that Wales were the better side in that game but failed to show it on the only place that matters.. .. .. The scoreboard!!
Personally, I'm mad as hell and hope the Welsh team is too! We've never looked so good or been so close but failed with 2 crucial kicks in the last quarter, Priestlands drop goal and Hooks penalty. Both or either could have sealed it. Alas it wasn't to be. No excuses, we just weren't good enough to put the points on the board.
So, my point, now that Wales are into what for them is 'knockout' rugby in what is arguably the most physical group in the competition. If they can galvanise as a team and go forward, winning all remaining games in the group, wouldn't that possibly put them in a very strong place in the quarter finals?
If all goes as expected and Wales do get out of the group in second place, it's likely Australia in the quarters. True, one of the favourites and rightly so but they are beatable and do have weaknesses. Also, of all the SH sides, Wales have a better (still poor) record against Aus than any of the others. They'd have to fancy their chances?
From there... England in the semi?
Maybe Wales will reflect on the SA game as giving them the boost, the scare and the unity they needed to progress?
A blessing in Disguise?
posted on 15/9/11
All good points - in 2007 - by the time England hit the QFs against Austaralia - we were battle hardened and mugged them - the French did the same in their QFs - although the pressure finally got to them - so its all on.
But another way of looking at it from my point of view is this - I thought Wales were over estimating their ability b4 the tournament (as you know from prev postings) and the question is - have I been proved wrong? ....... hear me out here ...... Sure they were excellent on the weekend should of but didnt win blah blah blah - however we dont know how good this group actually is yet - What if Wales beat Samoa and Samoa beat the boks - what if Fiji come to the party - what if there is a draw or 2 - Samoa looked good yesterday - SA took the only chances they had - whos to say they will get better PDV is mental dont forget.
You can tell this tournament is tighter than before - I never realised we use3ds the bonus points system until last Saturday - apparently its been in since 03 - Ive never needed to look before
We may see bonus points deciding the groups yet WWW
Also - at this stage (1 game in) I would like to point out that Englands group is looking just as tight as Wales. Although it looks more like it could be who spoils what for who! I have a feeling that bonus points could come into play in this group as well - for second place mind!
I fancy Wales to progress - which I diodnt before - although this weekend is MAHOOOOOSIVE
posted on 15/9/11
Hahaha exciting isn't it!!
There could well be an upset, I can't remember it being so competitive before, and of course, Wales may yet be a victim of this, I personally don't think so but...... anything might happen
I think Englands group will start to take a more defined shape after this weekend. Something tells me it will be a comfortable win for you guys, maybe even a BP
For Wales?
1. Win the game
2. Deny losing BP
3. Get 4 try BP
(any of the above for me! haha)
posted on 15/9/11
Wales need to worry about Samoa and Fiji before considering Australia. I really look forward to those games, should be great to watch.
posted on 15/9/11
I'm sure Wales are Aristo, i'm a fan though so I can dream a little further on.