Absolutely, Valleyboy.
There are teams that rise to the occasion to beat England because they respect the team and it enables them to measure where they are in their own ability. Such teams are:
France, Ireland, Argentina, etc
But there are teams that have it in their genes to have to, absolutely, and under all circumstances, beat England any which way they can since to lose confers a pain and suffering felt throughout the valleys, the Outback ((who cares about their pain ; ) )) and beyond.
These are:
Australia*, and Wales** (*We won’t bring up world cup refs down under again! **The unfair use of the Rugby Fairy! Such an inappropriate image for this game!!)
This makes Wales such an effective team when they face down the English and doubly so when it is on home turf. It is, as Valleyboy suggests, set up for a real humdinger. As you say, Valleyboy, the excitement in Wales is building and probably nothing else will be talked or even thought about this week. That is why it’s such a special occasion. It has come about, not by a decision from a committee, or any political wrangling but, may I suggest, the Rugby Fairy sprinkling his, or her, magic already, Valleyboy! As a result, I believe, the game will be a showcase of rugby and will provide a fitting bookend to match the Italy v France game of the first weekend.
As to who will win? – I’m sitting on the fence but the biggest winner will be the game itself – I’ve no doubt it will be an awesome showcase. Pity Gatland’s selection task after this!
This is why we love rugby and despite the essential, and entertaining, niggling between the sides before, and by the players during the match, we can all share a beer afterwards and talk about what might have been.
I can’t wait!
