When the Welsh re-invented rugby
- 30 Jan 07, 01:24 PM
Belfast - In the Nineties, during my days as a cavalier rugby journo of ill-repute, I adored travelling to Cardiff for three particular reasons. There are more reasons, but...
The first was the fact that Ireland usually won at the old ; the second was the singing; and the third was rubbing shoulders in the media area alongside two of my favourite players of all time - Gerald Davies and Phil Bennett.
By the way, they are only topped by a certain , but that's for another time.
Anyway, Cardiff proved a great fillip for the Irish in those days. Their form was up and down like Nigel Kennedy's elbow after Aston Villa had scored. But victory away from the 'oul sod worked wonders for morale in the Irish camp.
In the last four games played at the Arms Park, Ireland won three and drew a real cracker of a game 21-21 back in 1991. Not a bad return. Of course, Ireland kept up their winning streak away from Dublin when they won 29-23 at Wembley when the Millennium Stadium was but a mere steel structure.
Now I'm hoping that Ireland don't catch the Millennium bug this time around just as they did in 2005 when Wales shocked us all with a Grand Slam.
Then there is the singing. Ah, those wonderful lyrical tomes from voices that are obviously honed with a gargled mix of olive oil and crunched brick.
It doesn't matter what part of these islands you are from, when Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau echoes around the stadium, the hairs on the back of your head jump to attention. I know mine does everytime.
And when a male voice choir, belts out over the Millennium's thunderous loud speaker system you wonder if any visiting team can survive.
But as former Ireland lock Willie Anderson said back in the Nineties, those little Welsh numbers were also a catalyst for a type of Irish hywl. Now you know.
By the way my favourite hymn sung to Cwm Rhondda.
Now, back to those golden days of Welsh rugby when they re-invented the game in the Seventies. Bennett and Davies were imperious.
It was all to do with pace, eye contact and a lightning side-step - all in one movement. How can you forget Bennett continually dancing off his right foot in that try under the posts against Scotland. Or Davies' arcing run around Billy Steele that led to a one-point victory back in 1971.
There are numerous other eye-catching darts, particularly with the Lions, that set them aside from others. I'll let you bloggers reel them off from the top of your head.
Met Phil at Ravenhill a couple of weeks ago covering Llanelli's visit in the Heineken Cup. His side-stepping days are over for the time being he told me.
Hopefully old son, the medication I recommended gets you back jogging around the local park in Llanelli again, and that she who must be obeyed understands it's all to do with your mental stability!
Anyway, I'll be missing Cardiff this year to see Ireland win! So lads, have a good one.
Wales 27-18 England
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oh my god how can u say that about welsh rugby, the welsh have brought back the pace and dynamics of rugby and the meanig of the word itself. i mean you have your views and i have mine but you can not say you wish disaster upon someone even if you dont like them!!! i mean come on wales are soooo much better than england will ever be and i know your comback will be two words "world cup" well u can take that and put it in a horide place for all i care. i would love to see you do better then the welsh team!!!
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Very very amusing and well-written Gary. Although my rugby standpoint is located somewhere close to 180 degrees from yours - I am an unreconstructed 'Boyo' who attended school in England and was subject to some of the reverse of what you describe - your piece made me laugh out loud.
I'll join you in a final rallying cry, though again it is diametrically opposite to your own. Come on Wales!!
A Son of said Diaspora...
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Very very amusing and well-written Gary. Although my rugby standpoint is located somewhere close to 180 degrees from yours - I am an unreconstructed 'Boyo' who attended school in England and was subject to some of the reverse of what you describe - your piece made me laugh out loud.
I'll join you in a final rallying cry, though again it is diametrically opposite to your own. Come on Wales!!
A Son of said Diaspora...
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Considering we did the Slam 2 years ago, in Wales no-one dares mention any of that team alongside the greats of the 70's. In Wales it'd be like blasphemy! However a lovely sight is in a pub on Westgate street called the Queen's vaults where there are portraits of all of the greats - Edwards, Bennett, John etc as well as the grand slam squad of 2005 on the wall. A lovely touch. May all of you Irish feel welcome on Sunday and enjoy the hospitality of the Principality!
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Jones,
Only when Wales can consistently beat England year in and year out can you consider Welsh Rugby better.
At the moment you've only beaten England once in the last five years or so, with Wale's lack of physicality and ability to leak points like a pierced milk carton, expect more of the same this year.
Just because you run around allot and fail to make the gain line doesn't mean your style of rugby is better!
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well well im sean lennon i go to stratford college studying public services, i believe that ireland are clearly the favourites for the win of the six nations and i have eevery faith in the squad to go out and bring home the grandslm for ireland and to also win the triple crown for the second year running
sean
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But you have to admit Gary, it was the Welsh who brought rugby to heathen Essex - that and Dylan Thomas.
When all other teachers trembled at the thought of educating 'Essex Man', it was the Taffies who boldly went where others feared to tread.
Furthermore, many played for Essex clubs after having first shouted their young charges through a Saturday morning game....One even bought me a pint of beer (bitter).
More startling perhaps, some even married 'Essex Girl' which surely qualifies them as true warriors of the Essex sod in which they buried our faces.
Make no mistake, I will cheer for England and sing, 'Whales, Whales, bloody great fish in the sea' when next I visit the Millennium stadium; but I am mindful that it was the Gymraeg diaspora which brought rugby to Essex....And Essex is a better place for it.
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Born in England of Welsh extraction and living in the rugby dominated South West I was the butt of a lot of abuse in the 80's and 90's. 2005 put a lot of that right, the return of the flair we all know and love was just fantastic. Too long had I been forced back to the days of JJ and JPR to show what rugby is all about. Wales have always had backs to beat the World, even in the darkest of days players like Rob Jones shone out, but too often were isolated lights. Just as in the 70's there is now a group of players, a blend of (pardon the advert) Brains and Brawn) that could,whisper it quietly, give us something to tell our children and grandchildren about, something to inspire the hywl in another generation.
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I was a pupil at an Essex boys' Secondary Modern in the 70's, a Sec Mod which seemed, especially at five nations time, to be almost entirely staffed by wild eyed "Taffies" who lost no opportunity to grind the faces of English heathen youth into the sod (metaphorical and actual) every time Wales won an International; a depressingly frequent occurrence to we, the downtrodden.
These betweeded and Hush Puppied sons of Harlech rampaged through the boyhoods of a generation of Essex youth, extolling the benefits of the Gymraeg diaspora with messianic fervour and attempting for eight seemingly endless weeks: a hegemony of Welshness.
So perhaps you'll understand my reluctance to join in your rose tinted meanderings and maudlin reminicences of Celtic solidarity; of better days and better men and join me in wishing disaster upon Welsh rugby and all it's works. Come on England!!!
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Prestwick,
As things stand at the moment, Wales are the better side. I don't think you'll find many pundits who would disagree with that. When England were top of thier game, I'd happily concede they were better than Wales. What's the problem? Why does it bother you so much that presently, Wales are a better playing side than England?
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ok when you can say that you have a good team out come and talk to me ok, i mean they look worst than ireland with old men and inexperienced youngsters what do you expect!!!
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I for one am scared at the prospect of meeting Wales first! In Wales. Respect. Over and out. Come on Ireland!
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No matter what happens im 100% sure that we shall all see a cracking match this weekend, The Irish are the favourites and the Welsh should never be written off easily, we also have a exciting and very passionate team let alone the fans, but to the travelling Irish have a cracking stay on our soil because you are always welcome ( come on the boys )
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No matter what happens im 100% sure that we shall all see a cracking match this weekend, The Irish are the favourites and the Welsh should never be written off easily, we also have a exciting and very passionate team let alone the fans, but to the travelling Irish have a cracking stay on our soil because you are always welcome ( come on the boys )
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yer i mean its always a good game against ireland but remember ireland were fevourties last year aswell and look what happened there. my dad is gonna be there on sunday he might even get to walk on the pitch and shake the players hands
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yer i mean its always a good game against ireland but remember ireland were fevourties last year aswell and look what happened there. my dad is gonna be there on sunday he might even get to walk on the pitch and shake the players hands
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This is what the six nations is about. Rugby fans willing their nations on but also respecting the opponents. The six nations are like blimmin Christmas to me!(nightmare for the missus)
Cannot wait for it to start and hope and prey that Wales win and the Irish have a great laugh in Wales.
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I, as an Irishman, am glad that JW is back for England. Forget the media-hype (a-la-Beckhams' toe). Great players make the game so much better to watch (not a-la-Beckham), and I for one - wish Johnny well. His dedication, class and perseverance only serve to enhance the best team sport in the World. It is a well-known fact in the rugby World that O'Gara developed his game to World-class level on the basis of JW's professionalism and dedication to thousands in hours of training - a lot of it off his own bat.He achieved this by constantly honing his skills to the highest level after training with and watching JW during the Lions Tour. ROG has subsequently moved on up to replace JW as the best no.10 in the N.H. I hope Johnny comes back to his best. He's good for the game. Any true Rugby supporter would acknowledge this.
The weakness in the Irish team? Seeing as how our supposed weakest link - the forwards, won the best club competition in the World last year. Mmmmmm, not quite sure about that one lads. A hurt Munster pack is not one to trifle with, they know how to win at the highest level. I have a feeling Leicester did us a big favour there, as did Gloucester v Leinster. Bang in time to remove any trace of complacency for the 6-N. We will see.
Ireland will win the Slam, if they conquer what has been that one real weakness in their team up to recent years. Self-belief.
The Autumn Internationals saw them blow away the Aussies and the Saffis in some style. They believe now and that is a key factor here along with more real depth and quality in the squad. Yes, they could seriously do with replacements for Hayes and Horan.
I have a feeling Munster or Ulster will supply them in the near future. But for now, I would like to see them make 2 last totally grand stands, the 6-Nations and the WC. Boss also is a great option for Stringers鈥 position. He has more about his game than Stringer 鈥 but Stringers鈥 accuracy of passing at speed is superlative
Sundays鈥 prediction: Ireland to beat Wales by a 20/30 points spread.
This is not an idle boast, as we have beaten Wales - In Wales, more times than I can remember over the last 20 years. This is true, except for the Welsh Slam (2005) year, when Ireland severely lacked the belief to finish the job. They 鈥渂ottled it鈥 on the day and Wales were fantastic in that 6-Nations, no question about it.
Belief was the factor that Wales had industrial amounts of that year, as well as being a fantastic side to watch. They also brought back into fashion - the beauty and flair of open, attacking Rugby. Ireland followed suit and haven't looked back since.
Never underestimate the power of in-built self-belief. Skill, physicality, depth of squad, the ability to vary the game plan on-the-fly, on-field intelligence in decision-making and luck - help a wee bit too of course.
The match against France last year, when Ireland were down-and-out at 43-3 and came back in it to nearly beat them. If there had been another 5 minutes in the match 鈥 they would have done. (France 43-31 Ireland) It was total madness !!! Great for a neutral observer to watch. Not me! It was only afterwards - what had actually happened, really set in.
I know that could be said of hundreds of matches by any amount of Countries in the past. But that 40 minutes is when Ireland grew up as a World force in the game, at long last. The first 40 minutes posed a serious question mark as to which direction this team was going to go, to put it mildly. Were they going to lie down and accept mediocrity or do what they did? That question has been answered comprehensively since that day.
We showed all this against the AB鈥檚, running them close twice last year and on their own patch. This is when the AB鈥檚 were thrashing everyone else around the Globe.
New Zealand 34-23 Ireland路
New Zealand 27-17 Ireland.
I saw those two games and the AB's were excreting themselves up to the last few minutes. Though they would never admit to it. It's not in their psyche to do so. A few of their knowledgeable fans did though. They said that they had never seen their team so out-on-their-feet, at the end of each match. This is the unbeatable AB鈥檚 we are talking about here !!
But they can be beaten. The Saffis did it last year. The only way to do it, is to match up to them in every aspect of the game and believe you can beat them, otherwise you have no chance from the off. I know most people will scoff at this. Maybe it鈥檚 because you don鈥檛 believe it鈥檚 possible. I for one,do now. So do the Saffis and the Aussies.
They always have. They mess with their mental Haka !! The AB鈥檚 believe they will win the WC - beyond doubt, as do most of the rest of the Rugby World.But when it really comes down to it, they falter.
England won it, with the masterful Martin Johnson in command.
They were never going to lose with him leading the team. He won the World Cup for England. Don鈥檛 get me wrong here, JW, Back, Hill and the others were great players, but Jonno was the one really who really did it for them.
He would not allow them to lose! England could do with a leader like him now.
The rest would follow him to war and believed 鈥 with his leadership, they would win it. The rest 鈥 as they say, is history. I hope Paul O鈥機onnell matches up to him, cometh the hour.
Can't wait for the 6-N to start lads and lassies. I will watch every minute of every game and enjoy each one with relish. Basically, I love it! Beats watching the over-paid and over-hyped actors in the Wendy-ball game, eh lads?
Best of luck to the rest of ye. Enjoy it. See ye for a pint of Guinness in old Dubh Linn - whichever Country you support. Sorry for the long rant boys. I owe the lot of ye a pint.
Well, I鈥檓 not really sorry, because I believe it.
Bring it on, 大象传媒!!!
Leinster supporter.
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I, as an Irishman, am glad that JW is back for England. Forget the media-hype (a-la-Beckhams' toe). Great players make the game so much better to watch (not a-la-Beckham), and I for one - wish Johnny well. His dedication, class and perseverance only serve to enhance the best team sport in the World. It is a well-known fact in the rugby World that O'Gara developed his game to World-class level on the basis of JW's professionalism and dedication to thousands in hours of training - a lot of it off his own bat.He achieved this by constantly honing his skills to the highest level after training with and watching JW during the Lions Tour. ROG has subsequently moved on up to replace JW as the best no.10 in the N.H. I hope Johnny comes back to his best. He's good for the game. Any true Rugby supporter would acknowledge this.
The weakness in the Irish team? Seeing as how our supposed weakest link - the forwards, won the best club competition in the World last year. Mmmmmm, not quite sure about that one lads. A hurt Munster pack is not one to trifle with, they know how to win at the highest level. I have a feeling Leicester did us a big favour there, as did Gloucester v Leinster. Bang in time to remove any trace of complacency for the 6-N. We will see.
Ireland will win the Slam, if they conquer what has been that one real weakness in their team up to recent years. Self-belief.
The Autumn Internationals saw them blow away the Aussies and the Saffis in some style. They believe now and that is a key factor here along with more real depth and quality in the squad. Yes, they could seriously do with replacements for Hayes and Horan.
I have a feeling Munster or Ulster will supply them in the near future. But for now, I would like to see them make 2 last totally grand stands, the 6-Nations and the WC. Boss also is a great option for Stringers鈥 position. He has more about his game than Stringer 鈥 but Stringers鈥 accuracy of passing at speed is superlative
Sundays鈥 prediction: Ireland to beat Wales by a 20/30 points spread.
This is not an idle boast, as we have beaten Wales - In Wales, more times than I can remember over the last 20 years. This is true, except for the Welsh Slam (2005) year, when Ireland severely lacked the belief to finish the job. They 鈥渂ottled it鈥 on the day and Wales were fantastic in that 6-Nations, no question about it.
Belief was the factor that Wales had industrial amounts of that year, as well as being a fantastic side to watch. They also brought back into fashion - the beauty and flair of open, attacking Rugby. Ireland followed suit and haven't looked back since.
Never underestimate the power of in-built self-belief. Skill, physicality, depth of squad, the ability to vary the game plan on-the-fly, on-field intelligence in decision-making and luck - help a wee bit too of course.
The match against France last year, when Ireland were down-and-out at 43-3 and came back in it to nearly beat them. If there had been another 5 minutes in the match 鈥 they would have done. (France 43-31 Ireland) It was total madness !!! Great for a neutral observer to watch. Not me! It was only afterwards - what had actually happened, really set in.
I know that could be said of hundreds of matches by any amount of Countries in the past. But that 40 minutes is when Ireland grew up as a World force in the game, at long last. The first 40 minutes posed a serious question mark as to which direction this team was going to go, to put it mildly. Were they going to lie down and accept mediocrity or do what they did? That question has been answered comprehensively since that day.
We showed all this against the AB鈥檚, running them close twice last year and on their own patch. This is when the AB鈥檚 were thrashing everyone else around the Globe.
New Zealand 34-23 Ireland路
New Zealand 27-17 Ireland.
I saw those two games and the AB's were excreting themselves up to the last few minutes. Though they would never admit to it. It's not in their psyche to do so. A few of their knowledgeable fans did though. They said that they had never seen their team so out-on-their-feet, at the end of each match. This is the unbeatable AB鈥檚 we are talking about here !!
But they can be beaten. The Saffis did it last year. The only way to do it, is to match up to them in every aspect of the game and believe you can beat them, otherwise you have no chance from the off. I know most people will scoff at this. Maybe it鈥檚 because you don鈥檛 believe it鈥檚 possible. I for one,do now. So do the Saffis and the Aussies.
They always have. They mess with their mental Haka !! The AB鈥檚 believe they will win the WC - beyond doubt, as do most of the rest of the Rugby World.But when it really comes down to it, they falter.
England won it, with the masterful Martin Johnson in command.
They were never going to lose with him leading the team. He won the World Cup for England. Don鈥檛 get me wrong here, JW, Back, Hill and the others were great players, but Jonno was the one really who really did it for them.
He would not allow them to lose! England could do with a leader like him now.
The rest would follow him to war and believed 鈥 with his leadership, they would win it. The rest 鈥 as they say, is history. I hope Paul O鈥機onnell matches up to him, cometh the hour.
Can't wait for the 6-N to start lads and lassies. I will watch every minute of every game and enjoy each one with relish. Basically, I love it! Beats watching the over-paid and over-hyped actors in the Wendy-ball game, eh lads?
Best of luck to the rest of ye. Enjoy it. See ye for a pint of Guinness in old Dubh Linn - whichever Country you support. Sorry for the long rant boys. I owe the lot of ye a pint.
Well, I鈥檓 not really sorry, because I believe it.
Bring it on, 大象传媒!!!
Leinster supporter.
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Can someone, preferably a front row forward, explain to me technically what happened to the Munster front row, against Leicester? It seemed to me that Julian White was lifting John Hayes a few inches before pushing, as the French front row did so successfully last year. There is a technique similar to this in Americam football where you lift an opponent a few inches out of the plane he is expecting to push in. A man Hayes size should not have been pushed around so easily and I have to say it is not the first time it has happened. Is he just a poor scrummager technically?
Jacque
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My word, irony seems to be as foreign a concept to most of you bloggers as punctuation and syntax!
The missionaries from the Rhonda and points west were the finest of men and left an ale scented, rugby shaped dent on the souls of many of their charges; that and the inability to appreciate poetry in anything but a Welsh lilt is a boon for which I and many of my confreres owe a debt of love. BUT! for eight weeks I get to fizz and rattle against any nation of the six and I'll not apologise for enjoying the effervescence.
So may the Scots choke on their oaty breakfasts, the Irish upset the little folk, the French succumb to something unspeakably garlicky, the Italians can surrender just in case and yes disaster to the Welsh: but only until the last kick of the last international. Come on England!
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That was very well put Mr. Cooke. I'm an American in Dallas and believe it or not, the 6 Nations is my favorite sporting event. I couldn't agree with you more. Ireland 46 Wales 12. I have a great deal of respect for the Welsh, but they just have too much in the way of injury and suspension to deal with right now.
Is there anyone out there who thinks the AB's would prefer to play Ireland over any of the other 5 nations of the NH in a WC quarterfinal right now? No way. That says it all.
The game starts at 9:30 am here in Dallas. I will be having Wheaties with my Guiness.
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Six nations great occasion for us all rugby supporters and what ever the outcome of Wales v Ireland and all the other games the best result is always be when someone beats the English.
So come on the Celts!!!!!! :-D i'r gad
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Just had one hell of a laugh reading the comment about wales being beaten by so many points (joe) come on mate its about time you opened your eyes, it be a good game that i think the irish will win but not by much......as the saying goes ( they say its got a sliding roof to keep the rain away, when wales attack they slide them back so god can watch us play, anyway enjoy the match butt its nice to see people the otherside of the pond enjoying the great game to.
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