Let Battle Commence!

So here we are, 2 days before the first Semi-Final of the Rugby World Cup 2011, in which Wales will play France for a place in the final. Some interesting facts about Wales-France matches include that Wales have only ever beaten France once in their last seven meetings, that coming in Wales' 2008 Grand Slam winning Six Nations side, and eleven members of the French team that beat Wales in the 2011 Six Nations 28-9 start Saturday's match. So should Wales have cause for concern? The answer is yes, undoubtedly. France are one of the best teams in the world at kicking, whether it be out of hand or from the tee. Shaun Edwards, Wales' defence coach, has even come out and said that the game will be won by the side that plays the kicking game better. Also, though often temperamental, as we have already seen in their 19-14 loss to Tonga in their final pool match, when France play as a cohesive unit, they are one of the best teams in the world, as England found out to their cost last weekend. However, Wales shouldn't run too scared, not with the form their in anyway. Though Wales have had a massive setback in light of the news that Rhys Priestland will not be fit for the Semi-Final, James Hook is a more than capable replacement. His quick thinking and awesome tenacity in trying to gain possession means that before Priestland's rise to stardom, he was many people's first choice Fly Half. Also, Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged XV, the most experienced French side since 2007, which boasts 687 caps. But, Wales' youth, overall fitness and hunger could be pivotal, like it was against Ireland, and France will have to be wary of the scoreboard being in their favour, because the longer the clock ticks, the stronger Wales perform. Key battles lie in the scrum, with both front rows looking strong, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. As aforementioned, the kicking game will be vital, so Hook versus Dimitri Yachvili, who is carrying a slight knock to his thigh, will probably tell the tale of who wins on Saturday. So, it will once again be a battle of youth versus experience, form versus the form-book. Wales-France will be a corker of a match, and not one to miss.

Wales squad vs France: 

Backs - L Halfpenny; G North, SM Williams; J Davies, J Roberts; J Hook, M Phillips. 

Forwards - G Jenkins, H Bennett, A Jones; L Charteris, AW Jones; D Lydiate, S Warburton (capt), T Faletau.

Replacements - L Burns, P James, B Davies, R Jones, L Williams, S Jones, S Williams.

France squad vs Wales:

Backs -M Medard; V Clerc, A Rougerie, M Mermoz, A Palisson; M Parra, D Yachvili.
Forwards - J Poux, W Servat, N Mas, P Pape, L Nallet, T Dusautoir (capt), J Bonnaire, I Harinordoquy.
Replacements - D Szarzewski, F Barcella, J Pierre, L Picamoles, F Trinh-Duc, D Marty, C Heymans.

Start of a new Golden Era?

Many people doubted Wales' ability to beat the Irish this morning. Not once this week did I meet someone who could fully commit to a Welsh victory. Even I had doubts to whether or not this young side could pull of such a remarkable feat. But boy, we were proved wrong. Warren Gatland must be chuckling to himself slightly after watching his young side contain a very real Irish threat, an Ireland hungry to not let their golden generation never reach a World Cup semi-final. The story book was written for Ireland to progress, to let their golden generation reign on top of the Rugby world. However, someone forgot to give Wales the script. From first whistle to last, Wales were immense. Offensively fluid, defensively solid, Wales hardly put a foot wrong. Ireland, try as they might, could not get the stranglehold on the game that they so craved, and even when they drew level just after the restart, they looked like a team ready to call it a day. Several key aspects impressed me today with the Welsh team. Gatland's decision to put Leigh Halfpenny at Fullback was a master stroke. Halfpenny said during the week it was "a dream come true" to play for his country at a World Cup in his more favoured position, and he didn't disappoint. I called from the start of the tournament for him to be played there, but many were sceptical about his size and ability to control the game from deep. However, he awas commanding and confident under the high ball, accurate with boot, and gave Wales a needed boost with his long distance penalty to restore Wales' 7 point lead mid way through the first half. Lee Byrne must be wondering where his future in the Welsh line up lies after not even making the bench for the game, and with his form and confidence in tatters, it is impossible for me to see the Lions Fullback returning to the starting line up any time soon. Jamie Roberts has looked immense this tournament, and today was no different. His superb catch then drive through the Irish defence sent Shane Williams on his way for the opening score. He gave Wales options going forward, and his interplay with Jonathan Davies and, most significantly, Rhys Priestland meant Wales looked creative in the back, and will give them confidence to attack more ardently in the Semi Finals. Wales' discipline also impressed me, which is key with the likes of France or England waiting for us in the Semi's, who thrive on kicked points. Most impressive though, was just the level of maturity shown by the whole Wales team. Considering the average age of the team is just 25, they played with the confidence of a team who had been through thick and thin together for years. They defended as though their lives depended on it, and they did not disappoint. The pride of a nation rests with you Wales, and maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of another golden generation of Welsh rugby talent. The English or the French lie in wait, but on this form, Wales will not be scared of either. The Dragon still roars, oh yes it does.

Final Score: Wales 22 (Tries: S.Williams, M.Phillips, J.Davies. Convs: Priestland (2). Pens: Halfpenny
                   Ireland 10 (Tries: K.Earls. Convs: O'Gara. Pens: O'Gara

The Beginning!

Hello everyone, this is just a little introduction to this blog, and I shall have my first full post up in no time at all. This blog is for everything in Welsh International Rugby. I shall be trying to give a somewhat indepth guide to the team, future stars, and giving my view on recent matches, starting with this morning's match against Ireland. Please feel free to comment, and spread the love to your family and friends so we can bask in what hopefully will be another golden age of Welsh Rugby!
Many Thanks.