To misuse the lyrics of a great songsmith “there’s panic on the streets of Cardiff” right now. Why? Well Wales’ first Summer International didn’t get anyone’s pulses racing for any of the right reasons. And the release of players of the quality and experience of Mike Phillips, Richard Hibbard and James Hook in Warren Gatland’s first cull down to 38 players during the week following the game made things even worse.
In all seriousness, for me the despondency being felt after Wales’ 21-35 reverse in that game can be seen to be something of an over-reaction. Perhaps you can argue that those players released had been treated unfairly, because it’s been quite clear that there hasn’t been an awful lot of ball-in-hand action in training over the last couple of months.
However, as an even more avid watcher of Wales under the management of Warren Gatland it’s apparent that to second guess his methods is dangerous. A Grand Slam in 2008, one in 2012 and a 6 Nations Championship in 2013 suggest the coach has brought Wales on under his reign.
On the flip side of that, his record against Southern Hemisphere teams isn’t nearly as impressive. 2 wins in 28 matches is a very poor return indeed. His style has received many labels – “Warrenball” probably the most polite of all.
It’s perhaps true that the talent available in Wales hasn’t been fully utilised. Players like Jamie Roberts, George North and Jonathan Davis have seemed toothless at times on the big stage. But then there have been big moments during the last seven years too and importantly for the context of the next two months, recently too. For instance, the victory over Ireland in the 6 Nations this year would have been a huge confidence boost.
Probably more importantly, Wales scored a timely victory over South Africa in last Autumn’s Internationals. Timely, because it’s possible they may meet them in the later rounds of this year’s World Cup, should they progress to the knock-out stages. It’s not a hoodoo off their backs as such, but it’s surely another confidence boost.
Following that first poor performance, it was no real surprise then to hear Warren Gatland announce a strong side for this second game against Ireland. In a starting XV captained by Alun Wyn Jones, there are probably 13 players one would expect are guaranteed to make the final squad of 31. Bradley Davis and Alex Cuthbert, being the players who may still have something to prove.
On the bench, players like James King, Gareth Davis and Hallam Amos have another opportunity to stake a claim too. It’s always hard to make a lasting impression off the bench if you are part of numerous changes to the starting side. However the performance of Amos in particular, first time round would have surely pleased the coaching team.
The coaching set-up will be expecting a response this weekend then. Fans also expect something different too. Questions obviously were asked about the strategy being used by the coaching team, and a lot of anger was expressed too. Following the events of last Saturday evening in Paris, there’s talk of Wales needing to exert some psychological pressure on their Group A rivals by producing a solid performance.
I’m not so sure looking sideways is a good idea though. Of course, a repeat of the performance from the first game would create further unrest throughout Wales. However, in the press conference today, it was alluded to that rustiness would still exist, a clever ploy I think to cover the eventuality that the performance won’t please all.
Again, this is another opportunity. The pressure is mounting now, with just one more game and with the final cull happening just a couple of days after. Excitement levels are rising too. I don’t expect a miracle performance, but an improvement is surely on the cards.
This writer won’t be getting too emotional whatever the outcome. As the great Phil Bennett commented following the first game, it’s time to trust Gatland’s methods. He will be judged on his performance in September, not now. There’s no need to panic.
Wales team to play Ireland
Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, CAPT), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons).
“Main Photo”
