What can I say that hasn’t already been said about THAT game. In the week leading up to the match I was wavering between wild confidence and resigned pragmatism but I was so glad I that I finally decided to go to see the match live. The last time I saw Wales beat Ireland in Cardiff was in 2005 with Dad and was special for a different reason namely our first Grand Slam for 27 years. Last Saturday was a different kind of pressure and Wales had a lot to prove – but how they fronted up – the contact was brutal. I was very impressed with Wales after the win over South Africa in the Autumn but this Welsh side has gone up another gear and I feel there is more to come. The period of defending in the second half which eventually led to Scott Williams’ game changing try was something I’d never witnessed before in its intensity. The crowd was incredible – I’m still hoarse today but at least I can say I played my part! One fellow supporter to my right told me he hadn’t seen Wales play live since he was 12 years old – 52 years ago-what a game to choose for his return. I told him he should come to more games in the future!
As to the player’s themselves it’s difficult to pick out individual performances as they were all outstanding – subs included. Poor Jonathan (Jiffy) Davies had a truly impossible task of naming a man of the match – at least five names come to mind but I can’t argue with his final choice of our Captain fantastic, Sam, who gave one of his greatest performances in his record breaking game. One player who did stand out for me was Luke Charteris probably because I still haven’t finished his figure started quite a long time ago. I hereby vow to rectify that anomaly immediately! Dan Biggar came through his firing in one piece and is on his way to be moulded today with Rhys Webb hot on his heels and then the Mighty Luke!
Richard finally gets to grips with Luke’s scrum cap.
So I have my work cut out for the next few weeks not forgetting the “Field of Dreams” Anniversary piece but it’s great coming to work with a smile on my face. Let’s hope we can keep up the pressure on Ireland and England on Super Saturday but whatever happens I would like to thank the Men in Red once again for making us all here at the Groggshop happy in our work!
*If you haven’t already pre-ordered Luke, you can do by emailing info@groggs.co.uk
