Wales 25 – Ireland 7
Cluedo Anyone?
In what could have been a Miss Marple or Poirot investigation, the whereabouts of the Irish team was baffling to all those watching the game. Ranked 2 in the world rankings, this was a team who on paper should have run the Welsh close in this final fixture round of the competition.
This was a strong Irish line up, Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton among the backs, CJ Stander and Rory Best included in the pack. Against England the Irish were undone, they were made to look average at best and people thought tis was just a blip this season. 16-0 to the Welsh at half time, told a different story.
Welsh Passion
Alun-Wyn Jones ( who for me is the first name on a Welsh team sheet ) led by example. Taking the ball into contact and there to put in big tackles when required. The boot of Gareth Anscombe punished Ireland time and time again. He converted the extra points from the try by Hadleigh Parkes and also found time to slot over 6 penalties.
Roof Open Or Closed?
The choice was made to keep the roof open, by Ireland. Was this a ploy that backfired? I personally don’t think it made that much difference in the grand scheme of things. Wales have an excellent support through the fans. Not many teams can take England apart as Wales did in this seasons competition, as we saw here. The voices ringing out renditions of Bread of Heaven followed by Hymns and Arias sounds fantastic and there’s no need for Max Boyce to lead the singing. I’ve been in the Principality Stadium when the roof has been open, but also been deafened when it’s been closed and the atmosphere is electric.
When you grew up watching Wales when they played at the Arms Park, the atmosphere there was mesmerising as a spectator. The crowd were in full voice, the place was buzzing. Those were the golden years of Welsh rugby, but what about 2019? Maybe this is the year that Wales add the World Cup to their haul?
