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Golden Generation or Work in Progress
7th October 2011
Golden generation or work in progress?
4th of October 2011
Saturday presents rugby fans with what is possibly shaping up to be the tie of the World cup so far. Of course I’m not speaking of England v France, but Ireland v Wales. The Welsh and Irish will both be looking to get one over on their Celtic rivals and line up a possible semi-final against England.
Ireland have impressed so far, winning all four of their Pool C games and topping the group – a particular highlight being a surprising 15-6 victory against Australia in Auckland. Wales have looked equally impressive, though an undeserved loss to South Africa led to a second placed finish in Pool D. To find a successful Welsh world cup campaign would mean having to go back all the way to the tournament’s debut in 1987. Wales, then coached by Clive Rowlands, beat Australia to finish third in the competition.
However, never since have the Welsh had a better chance at World Cup glory than the class of 2011. Now coached by Warren Gatland, Wales’ squad includes such superstars as Shane Williams, George North and Rhys Priestland. Skippered by Sam Warburton (the youngest ever RWC Captain), the Welsh will be hoping to book a place in the semi-finals, providing a win against Ireland. Stephen Ferris the Irish and Ulster back row player certainly isn’t feeling the fear factor of the Welsh pack, having being quoted as saying, “The way we're playing at the moment we fear no-one. All the focus is on doing a job on these boys.” Is his confidence deserved or should the Irish be scared?
Ireland have defeated Wales twice in their last two encounters, both being Six Nations games. However on the two occasions that they have met in the Rugby World Cup both side has won a game each. If you were to look through the squads they would appear quite even, though perhaps the experience of the Irish team could edge it with surviving members of the old guard including Ronan O’Gara and Brian O’ Driscoll. Wales however do contain the experience of their most capped ever player in Stephen Jones, who of late has found his services less required since the emphatic arrival on to the international rugby scene of Rhys Priestland. Jones will undoubtedly add a wise head to the camp of the young Dragons.
Personally, being of both Welsh and Irish descent, I am looking forward to cheering on a Celtic team against what I hope will be England, as no Semi-final victory could be sweeter than one against the old enemy! The only thing that can be for certain is that Saturday’s game will be a tough one to call, a belief of mine that is shared by Wales Coach Warren Gatland, "They have qualities and world-class players but it is going to be tough to call. On the day, Ireland can beat us and we can beat them.” This won’t stop me hoping for a Welsh victory, though.
by Elian Owen