Gatland is only doing his job

Warren Gatland complaining at the referee is not something that should surprise anybody. The fact that at least two tries were denied to the All Blacks is something that he was always going to "forget" in his criticism to the referee.

Just exactly when was a scored try much more important than a clearly-unintentional high tackle?

The plain truth is that whereas the All Blacks did never show more skill than the willing Welsh (except when it comes down to tackle, especially with their flambuoyant left winger), physically they were a level above. And the game was always going to be Black.

But Warren Gatland has sworn he'll get them to the promise land, and now he's just trying to convince them he's leading them there.

Below par

In Justin Marshall's words, this edition of the 6N has been "below par".

For some two weeks I have been quite out of the world of rugby and I have not paid attention to all the dumbness that keeps the world going on. I must be kind of awakening now, as I consider Justin Marshall has just said too much.

"Justin: below par? Do you mean below par?"

It amazes me how much the smallest ones keep on trying and trying, never giving up, to maybe have a chance some day and be able to find themselves in a position of winning. If then the referees, luck and establishments allow them; perhaps they will have a chance to be crown winners.

Just to find that somebody calls that edition below par?

Oh no, pal. Whatever but not below par. England were presenting their best possible squad. A week before the tournament started, you would have not betted on an english Grand Slam just because it was so poorly rewarded. The RWC runner-ups, with a rejuvenated team, keeping the good and adding quality... could they ever lose? Italy is getting better and better. Narrow losses against every team but Wales and their yearly win against Scotland makes them certainly not below par. Ireland's rugby was not certainly below par. Ireland's rugby is where the past years have taken them. Perhaps, the only discussion could be whether the French side was as good as it could have been or not. And here, I will agree that the French side is meant to grow stronger. But it happens once and again: teams need changes from time to time and it has been so for ages. It is not something new, nor has ever any edition been called "below par" just because the French were trying to start again. However, three wins and losses to England and Wales don't certainly make a weak France.

Give credit to the Welsh. They played well. They grew up as a team every week and they have shown some outstanding things. It's true that luck has been with them at times, but no one is crowned champion with no luck at all.

Wales deserved it and it is unfair to call the tournament "below par" just because neither France nor England got the title.

Congratulations, Wales.

Wales defeated France and won the Six Nations tournament and a Grand Slam.

Six Nations: Wales succeeds and England colapses

Everything could have happened yesterday at Croke Park and the Welsh emerged victorious because they were running for their lives... I mean, Grand Slam. They have, at least, won the Triple Crown, and after the France-Italy game, they will receive the French at Cardiff knowing that only losing by 20 or more points they would not be champions.

So, congratulations, Wales.

Meanwhile, Scotland have most likely put Ashton's coaching place on vacancy by convincingly defeating England as all including coach Ashton admitted. What's up with England? I mean, what the hell are they playing at? Is not the awful performance of english lined-up players much worse than the axed Cipriani's? After all, Cipriani's fault did not happen while playing, but during his free time. What should England do with their players who failed so badly?

England's case is to be examined. They were almost certain of winning a Grand Slam; after all, they were RWC runner-ups and had Cipriani and Vainikolo... but after the initial loss, it seems they are no longer interested. France, on the contrary, have used this edition to start building on the future. The final test will be Wales, who has been the best side throughout the tournament.

It is going to be the best test of the tournament.

Gwlad

Gwlad 47 - Italy 8

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,

Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;

Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,

Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.

Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.

Humour, Rugby and Wales

I had the clear intention of not writing any more words about the Six Nations. But this at totalflanker has made me change my mind. Luckily it's not a word, it's a video.

The author has plenty more at www.taffwars.com



And now, let's stick to Southern Hemisphere ;-)

On a roll

Last week he kicked all his 6 goals in and gave the pass for the decissive try in Twickenham. Today, the welsh first five eighths notched another 11 points and lifted the red dragons to a 30 - 15 victory over Scotland in Cardiff.

Now Wales has scored a perfect 2 victories in 2 games at the Six Nations.

James Hook and Wales are on a roll.

Wales over England

If I am to pick a Northern Hemisphere side, I pick Wales. Wales is not only a rugby nation like no other; Wales was also the first test match that the All Blacks lost in 1905, a feat that only four other nations have accomplished. They rank second in the All-Time Six Nations winners only second to England.

Much has been said this week about England crushing Wales (being 62-5 the score last time they meet in early August during the pre-RWC). England hooligans (including many a journalist) were proudly fond of their line-up, amid earthquakes, volcanoes and other big superstars. So proud were that it seemed as if they had already won the Six Nations before the first game even started!!!

(How much it reminds me of the 1/4 finals of the RWC against France!)

Their sights were clearly put far beyond Wales.

Like All Blacks that bloody October 7th, England had a clear lead at half time. Like France, Wales kept on fighting until the end. Like France, they got their reward.

Congratulations to welsh fighters. And congratulations to Warren Gatland. I think this triumph in Twickenham can give him and the whole welsh squad confidence. Interestingly enough, at their RWC pool game against Australia, the best effort of the welsh side came once the wallabies were already on command.

For Wales, this victory at Twickenham can be the start of a very pleasant tournament (their only other away home will be at Dublin) whereas for until-last-week-almost-winners England will have to show their best next week in Rome or they could be in serious trouble.

This saturday leaves also the narrow win of the irish over Italy at Croke Park. All the credit should go to Monsieur Rugbycan for such an acurate foretelling of what the outcome of that test would be. Although Ireland secured the win, Italy has proven to be a very tough rival.