Rugby Mad Blog

Six Nations Game 15 – Wales vs France (29-12)

Wales made their intentions clear from the start, and were pressing the French lines within five minutes. Then their opponents killed the ball, and James Hook [right] stepped up to take the penatly. First blood to the Welsh, 3-0. Hook had another go at goal in the 14th minute, which saile just wide of the posts.

The French were committing a lot of players to rucks, while Wales only used the minimum. David Skrela’s kicking was pretty awful too – including one restart which actually went backwards!

The Welsh made a break in the 18th minute and Les Bleus found themselves offside. Hook stepped up for another punt which went plumb through the middle, 6-0 up.

In the next minute, Wales themselves were penalised, France took the penalty by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, and they were back in it at 6-3. They gave it away again a few minutes later when Julien Bonnaire was caught monumentally offside at a ruck, Hook made it 9-3.

On the half hour, France made decent inroads into the Welsh half. They recycled several times, inching their way upfield. 10,000 French supporters chanted “Allez Les Bleus!” but they couldn’t turn possession into points.

Just before half time, Gavin Henson [left] was pinged for a high tackle on Fulgence Ouedraogo and went to the bin. The penalty kick from Elissalde was easy, and so Wales went in 9-6 at the break, but with the prospect of starting the second half with only 14 men.

The French came out with all guns blazing, but tried to play too much rugby. They gave away a penalty very close to their own line. Hook took the kick from out wide; it wasn’t quite on target.

Then Les Bleus were making ground again, but ferocious Welsh tackling kept their line firm. Gethin Jenkins clashed heads with a Frenchman and France won another penalty – Elisslade levelled the score at 9-9.

Henson returned a minute or tow later, much to the relief of the crowd. The Welsh were desperate for some possession in order to make headway. Shane Williams broke away, passed to Martyn Williams and worked upfield. France regained after a Welsh chip ahead.

In the 60th minute, the stadium erupted when France spilled the ball, and Shane Williams fell onto the ball just under the posts. It was his 41st try for Wales, making him the all-time try scorer for his country. The conversion by Stephen Jones [left] was a foregone conclusion – and Wales were 16-9 up.

The Welsh were fired up now, three minutes later they won a penalty 37m out from the posts. Jones’ kick was good again and Wales were 19-9 up.

France’s Vincent Clerc made a break and the Welsh fumbled their defence. France got the put in at a 10m scrum. But the Welsh forwards weren’t buckling – they won the scrum against the head.

With almost 10 minute left, Wales gave away another penalty; Dmitri Yachvili on as a replacement, kicked the three points and it was 19-12. Not long after, Stephen Jones eroded the difference again with another penalty and Wales clawed back their 10 point advantage, 22-12.

The final nail in the French coffin came with only 5 minutes left on the clock. Mark Jones broke away and flew up the pitch to within 1m of the French line. France scrambled the defence, a bit of ping-pong, then Lee Byrne caught a phenomenal up-and-under. Martyn Williams [right] did the honours with a 20m run to slide under the posts. Stephen Jones conversion were a formality. Wales 29-12.

The last three minutes were filled with noise from their supporters. A well-deserved victory for Wales, and a great achievement to win the Grand Slam again. They have played some excellent rugby throughout the tournament and fully deserve their title. Remarkably, they only conceded 2 tries in their 5 matches this year. And what a turnaround from their lacklustre World Cup campaign a few months ago.

The ref blew up for full time and the stadium roof almost lifted off with the noise. Well done Wales.

Six Nations Game 10 – Ireland vs Wales (12-16)

Ireland started well with a couple of penalties against the men in red, but eventually the Welsh were able to claw one back for themselves and the score stood t 6-3 at half time. Welsh scrum half Mike Philips [right] spent ten iminutes in the bin either side of the break for a professional foul.

But despite having a specialist player out for his sins, Wales managed to hang on to their hats with Shane Williams filling in at No. 9. They even managed to take another penalty off Ireland to bring the scores level.

With Philips back on, Wales got fired up again and Shane Williams saw a miniscule gap in the Irish defence, broke through and scored his 40th try for Wales in 55 tests. Stephen Jones’ conversion brought the score to 13-6!

Soon after, Martyn Williams took out Eoin Reddan with a naughty trip, and spent time in the sin-bin. Ronan O’Gara slotted the penalty for that offence, and another a little while later to bring the Irish to within 1 score of salvaging the game.

But it was not to be, and Ireland finished on the wrong end of 1 12-16 defeat at home. The Welsh fans were in fine voice at Croke Park as Captain Ryan Jones [left] lifted the Triple Crown, tied with red ribbons flying about, above his head. So only France now stand in the way of a possible Welsh Grand Slam.

Six Nations Game 7 – Wales vs Italy (47-2)

The Italians have been slow to start their last two games, and they intended to try better this time round. But they gave away two silly penatlies in the first few minutes, to take Wales into a 6-0 lead.

In the 12th minute, Wales stuffed up their own lineout deep in their own half; Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni caught the overthrow and dived for the line for a try. Unfortunately, Andrea Marcato’s conversion hit the woodwork. But all of a sudden, Italy were only trailing by one point. They spilled another try-scoring performance around 20 minutes, when Ezio Galon passed to Gonzalo Canale, who knocked on within inches of the line. Kiwi Coach Nick Mallett was literally hopping mad in the stands!

In the 28th minute, Wales hit back with a lovely team-engineered try from Lee Byrne [left], who dived over in the corner. Stephen Jones‘ conversion was good, giving the Welsh a 13-5 lead.

Plenty more endeavour, but no more scores until just before the final whistle for half time. Italy’s forwards were pushing hard against the Welsh defence; they had the line in site with pick and drive moves, Wales infringed and Marcato’s kick for 3 points was clean, even from a tight angle. So the Azzurri would be happy to go in 13-8 down at the break.

Wales struck a killer blow two minutes in to the second half, when Andrea Masi threw a terrible pass which was intercepted by Tom Shanklin [right], who ran in under the posts from half way. Jones’ conversion was simple. And Shanklin will be celebrating his 50th Cap with a great try, taking his team to a 20-8 lead.

Within another minute, Dwayne Peel went off with blurred vision after an earlier knock, Mike Philips came on for him, and made a blistering break up the wing. He passed out of a tackle but the receiver couldn’t quite finish it off. The Welsh won a lineout close to the Italian line, and the Azzurri infringed, so Jones took another three points, 23-8.

Mirco Bergamasco was sin-binned for killing the ball, so spent 10 minutes of his birthday in disgrace. Stephen Jones kicked another penalty to make the score 26-8.

Wales managed to gather another of their own overthrown lineouts, and it passed through hands until the last man on the wing was Shane Williams [left] – who scored a lovely try in the corner, his 38th in the red jersey. Stephen Jones made it 7 out of 7 kicks, Wales romping away at 33-8.

The rout continued in the 67th minute when Lee Byrne scythed through the Italian defensive line and ran in from the half way line. Tired Italian legs could do nothing to stop him. James Hook, on for Stephen Jones, took the extras and Wales were up for a 40-8 lead.

Turning the screws further, Shane Williams cut through the Azzurri’s defence, swerved past several tackles and made a blistering run to finish off his second try. Hook made it 47-8, the final score, and another win under Welsh belts. They march on next week to a possible Triple Crown if they can beat Ireland.

Six Nations Game 4 - Wales vs Scotland (30-15)

The game started with a furious first ten minutes, plenty of action but no points, until 12 mins when Wales caught with penalty and Dan Parks made it 0-3. A wayward Scottish kick 2 mins later landed in the large paws of Mike Philips, who made a great break, passed out to the wing for Shane Williams [left] to make a lovely sidestep and score. James Hook converted, Wales were ahead 7-3.

Nathan Hines was binned for a flail at Lee Byrne and the Scots lost one of their talismans for 10 minutes. Wales botched a scrum 5m out form the Scottlish line, Mike Blair disrupting to get the next feed. The Scots survived with 14 men without shipping any points, but their lineout was looking shakey with throws not straight.

Wales squandered another chance on 26 minutes, with Gavin Henson passing to Tom Shanklin, then Shane Williams, but Shanklin’s pass was forward with the line backoning.

After Hines came back on, the Scots almost immediately gave away a penalty, Hook took the shot straight through for 10-3 lead. But just after the half hour, Chris Paterson punted over a penatly for himself, to claw back 3 points, 10-6, which is where they went in at half time.

As the second half began, Scotland started well, with Ally Hogg making a blistering run up the middle from lineout ball. John Barclay went to ground and Wales were penalised at the ruck, so Paterson punted another; 100% record, clawing back another three points, 10-9.

Then the Welsh woke up, got within 5 metres of the line via Jamie Roberts, and the recycled ball came back to James Hook who sidestepped two Scottish forwards and dived over for a score. He converted his own try to make it 17-9. The Welsh looked dangerous again, but were caught killing the ball during a Scottish attack; Paterson did the honours to bring them in touch at 17-12.

Then Martyn Williams broke up midfield and the Welsh were on the attack, but his pass to Mike Philips [right] was intercepted by a blue shirt and Scotland were out of danger for the moment. Ian Gough was pinged for shoulder charging in a tackle, so the metronomic boot of Paterson kicked again and they were back into the game at 17-15.

Despite playing well, Hook was subbed at 57 minutes by Stephen Jones, who’s first touch of the ball was a forward pass! In the 64th minute, Wales were pushing the Scots line again, they got within 5 metres and Scotland gave away a penalty, so Jones redeemed himself a little with another 3 points straight in front of the posts, to pull ahead to 20-15.

The Welsh voices were on song again a few minutes later when Shane Williams blistered up the wing and just dabbed the ball down before hitting the corner flag – the video ref didn’t take long to decide, but the commentators weren’t 100% convinced as the slo-mo replay appeared to show his foot grazing the line before he touched down. Jones converted and Scotland were trailing by 12 points, 27-15.

With only nine minutes left, Wales went further ahead from Jones’ boot, and they were up to 30-15. But with 2 minutes on the clock, Scotland won a scrum on the Welsh 22, and the forwards inched towards the line. A red line of defence held firm. As the seconds ticked down, the blue shirts were within a metre and the kept pushing, then Wales turned the ball over. The final few seconds gone, the clock went red and the whistle blew.

This week, the Welsh looked more convincing than last time round, Scotland less so. Progress for the boys in red, but Hadden’s men must be wondering what they can do to improve. I suggest throwing some straight lineouts for a start!

Six Nations Game 2 – England vs Wales (19-26)

The long-anticipated Six Nations didn’t begin as Englands’ supporters would have wanted. There was early promise in the first half, and I was pleasantly surprised with the way England were playing – with some width and adventure.

The two teams traded early penalties, and then England camped in the Welsh half for a few minutes. David Strettle looked sharp and made a great break before being carted off the field injured after 13 minutes, to be replaced by Lesley Vainikolo [right], aka The Volcano. Jonny Wilkinson kicked England ahead once more to make it 6-3. Lewis Moody was another casualty and hobbled off as Tom Rees came on.

Just after the half hour, England were again in the Welsh 22, having turned over ball for the 4th time, but the try wasn’t on, so Jonny popped a drop goal to bring the lead to 9-6.

One England player who did impress me, despite the team’s loss, was new cap Luke Narraway [left]. He picked up scraps, caught high balls, charged with the ball up his jumper, took a lovely intercept of a Welsh pass, and generally made a nuisance of himself as far as the Welsh were concerned. Scrum Half Andy Gomarsall also had a pretty good game, his distribution was quick, and he made some good breaks especially in the first half.

Wales squandered a scoring opportunity around 20 minutes when a wayward pass went into touch. James Hook’s kicking wasn’t great at times, going out on the full instead of just inside the touchline. At 22 minutes, The Volcano took a great crossfield kick, challenging Mark Jones in the air, and sent a lovely pass off the floor to Toby Flood to go over the whitewash. Jonny added the conversion, and England’s lead stretched to 16-3.

There was plenty of endeavor for the rest of the half, particularly from England. Hook popped over another penalty for Wales, Wilkinson missed one for England. Paul Sackey nearly made it another 5 for England 3 minutes before half time, but the TMO judged it to have been held up by Wales, so they went in 16-6 at the break.

[Lesley Vainikolo tackled by Wales' Alix Popham and Duncan Jones]
Even at the start of the second half, depsite a raft of injuries, England looked OK, and Wales were pinged for taking out lifters in a lineout – Jonny punted the extra 3 points. But unfortunately, they were the last points the Red Rose boys managed. In the last 20-odd minutes, the wheels really came off the Sweet Chariot, Wales woke up and the game changed beyond all recognition.

The first nail in the English coffin was a penalty for Wales, bringing the score to 19-9. And another on 63 minutes, 19-12. A third nail when Mike Tindall was carried off on a stretcher, replaced by Danny Cipriani. England kicked too many balls away when they looked pretty good running with it in the first half. Jonny Wilkinson threw a terribly wayward pass, Paul Sackey tried to clear it up, but English hands knocked on in the subsequent ruck and Wales had a scrum deep in English territory. Wales put together a great passage of play switching from side to side, going through loads of phases, and Lee Byrne was the lucky recipient at the end. Hook’s conversion was sweet, and all of a sudden the scores were level at 19-all. The Welsh fans found their voice at Twickenham and Swing Low died away. 12 minutes to go. Worse was to come for English fans.

[Steve Borthwick stretches for a lineout catch]

Iain Balshaw’s clearance kick was charged down by Mike Philips, it changed hands a couple of times and Philips finished it off in the corner – after an agonising replay for the TMO. Hook struck a fantastic conversion under pressure and the Welsh were leading 19-26.

The next 8½ minutes were fast and furious as the clock ticked away. England looked disorganised and wayward. Wales kept up the pressure and it was a wonder they didn’t score again since they spent much of that time in England territory.

Unfortunately, Balshaw’s [left] pre-match detractors were proven right – particularly in the second half, when he made a couple of costly blunders and looked decidedly shakey. It was his delayed clearance kick which ultimately cost England the game, and after Wales had scored that try, the whole England team looked demoralised and lacklustre. I’d be highly surprised if he’s on the team sheet at 15 next week.

It was an extraordinary turnaround for both teams, England having looked so dominant in the first half, and Wales in the second. The Welsh deserved their win, the first at Twickenham for 20 years. And England will have to pull up their collective socks next week if further disaster is to be averted. As Italy proved earlier against Ireland, they will be far from pushovers, especially at home in the Stadio Flaminio. What can Ashton do now to inspire his team?

You can see more of my match photos here.

Another do-or-die fixture for the home nations. Gareth Thomas [right] was taking the field for his 100th cap for Wales. Fiji were out to spoil his party.

Wales had an opportunity after less than 2 minutes, but Shane Williams was brought up just short. Then they won a penalty and Stephen Jones popped over the three points for the lead. Wales just missed another opportunity for a try at 10 minutes, which was saved by Fijian Winger Vilimoni Delasau just behind the try line.

Fiji made a great try for Flanker Akapusi Qera after several phases of play worked themselves upfield. Nicky Little added the extras for a 7-3 lead. A matter of minutes later, Fiji set themselves up for another score when Delasau chipped ahead, took the bounce high with one hand and grounded it for a fabulous try, to take them 12-3 up. Wales were in more trouble two minutes later when Little scored a great penalty from close to the half way line. And again, a few minutes after that, this time slightly closer to the goal! Wales were in trouble on the wrong end of an 18-3 scoreline.

Just to put another nail in the coffin, Fiji broke again, from their own half. After a couple of rucks and passing across the field, and Lock Kele Leawere went over in the corner. Little’s boot did the honours and put them 25-3 up!

Wales at last got some possession in the Fijian half, winning two penalties. They failed to take the points but instead opted for a scrum and lineout. Despite their best efforts, Fiji managed to defend. Wales had a couple of strong scrums, but again the points failed to materialise. Eventually after another scrum in front of the posts, the forwards managed to rumble away, up to 1m from the line. But it wasn’t coming out of the ruck, so another scrum was set. Finally, Alix Popham [left] grounded it from the back of the driving maul. James Hook added the conversion to inch the Welsh back to 25-10 behind. A vital score in the dying minutes of the half.

Qera was sent to the bin just before the break, giving Wales the chance of some scores early in the second half against 14 men. Fiji initially took their chances and camped in the Welsh half for the first thrre or four minutes. Then Wales broke away, Shane Williams running in a fantasic try, sidestepping two takles and diving theatrically under the posts. Jones converted. They got themselves back into the game with another try from centurian cap Gareth Thomas, sneaking over in the corner. It was becoming a nailbiter, even for neutrals like me! Fiji were only leading by 3 points, at 25-22.

Qera was back on the field, but Wales hit back again with a lineout move, swinging it all the way across the field for Winger Mark Jones [right] to cross the line. Stephen Jones added the extras ans Wales were in the lead 25-29 for the first time.

The see-sawing of dominance continued, with Nicky Little slotting two penalties and missing a third in the space of ten minutes. Fiji were leading again 31-29.

There followed a non-scoring 15 minutes or so, despite plenty of action and endeavour from both sides. Fiji nearly had another try from Seremaia Bai, but he was dragged into touch by Gareth Thomas just before touching the ball down.

The deadlock was finally broken by Martyn Williams‘ [left] fantastic run for an interception try in the 73rd minute. Despite failing to convert, Wales must have thought they had done enough to save their bacon with a 31-34 lead.

But there was still a sting in the Fijian’s tail when Prop Graham Dewes took his chance and five points from an amazing passage of play. Fiji kept up the pressure and eventually they were rewarded when the TMO agreed the grounding was good. When Nicky Little added the conversion in the 78th minute, Welsh hearts must have felt like lead. And when Referee Dickinson blew for full time, Fijian hearts must have been soaring.

What a contest! Quite simply, a brilliant game. The only down side for Fiji was the injury to Nicky Little in the very last minute of the game. Wales could not believe it. They are on the plane home, Fiji heading for a quarterfinal with South Africa next weekend. And it would seem that their coach Gareth Jenkins can’t now survive in his tenure.

Six Nations Game 15 – Wales vs England (27-18)

England were caught napping in the first three minutes, when Toby Flood’s clearance kick was charged down and James Hook did the honours with hand and boot to score seven points for Wales.

Wales nearly got another before Shane Williams [left] was hauled down and England won a penalty which was quickly taken and cleared. With just eight minutes gone, Joe Worsley went off concussed, to be replaced by Magnus Lund. Then Hook had a chance at goal from just under half way and made it into double figures, 10-0.

Then Wales had another strong attack, Chris Horsman just going over the line under a pile of Welsh bodies. Hook’s wide conversion just bounced off the posts, to make the score 15-0.

England had the chance at an attacking lineout after Wales gave away a penalty. Wales knocked on to give England the scrum. They spun it out wide, and got within 2m but were getting very slow ball.

With over 30 minutes on the clock, James Hook went for a drop goal but it went wide. Possession seemed to be all Wales’ way. But then England managed to make a break, skipper Mike Catt was chasing his chip ahead to the line. It bounced awkwardly, missing the Welsh defence, and Harry Ellis [right] was there to clear up. Toby Flood made the conversion and England were back in the game at 15-7. Shortly after, Flood struck a drop goal to claw back another three points, taking them to 15-10.

A few minutes later, Hook added another three points for an England infringement, taking it to 18-10. But immediately after, Ellis made a great break, with Jason Robinson in support, diving over in the corner. It was a Billy Whizz trademark try. Flood didn’t make the conversion, but the score was back at 18-15 at the break.

Just after the second half started, Mike Catt went off to be replaced by Shane Geraghty. David Strettle made a break and were brought up just short, then Wales gave away a penalty. Flood’s kick levelled the score at 18-all.

Wales were caught crossing in the England half, and Flood’s huge kick down the field put them back into Welsh territory. The lineout was just about won, Ellis shipped it out to the backs but a high kick was caught by Wales, who promptly passed it out into touch. A few minutes later, they did the same thing on the other side of the pitch. England’s lineout went long and was nicked, but then Shane Williams knocked on to give England a scrum.

Wales won their own scrum in the England 22, and they were making ground, but Kevin Morgan threw a wayward pass and Mark Jones [left] was unable to take it before it went into touch.

England were back in possession and in the Welsh half when they were caught holding on. At the Welsh lineout, England infringed and James Hook took a chance at goal from 39m out. It hit the right post and was collected by George Chuter. Then England got a scrum on half way but Wales turned over possession in the loose.

With about 20 minutes to go, Hook had another chance at goal and drew ahead at 21-18. England won some good ball fom the restart but an interception put Wales back in the England 22 with a throwin. Then they were up at 5m with a lineout throw. Gough took the ball cleanly, and England were on the defensive. The forwards were picking and driving but were still 2m from the line when Hook took another drop goal, to make it 24-18.

Hook then made a great break but couldn’t manage to pass without knocking on. Meanwhile Dwayne Peel was replaced by Mike Philips [right]. England got a bit more possession, but it seemed to be coming out slowly, when Shaun Perry knocked on. Wales then had another go at goal, pulling away to make it 27-18 with eight minutes to go.

No more points were added, despite England attempting to make ground in the dying minutes. At last, Wales had a win to avoid the Wooden Spoon. Hook’s 22 points made him Man of the Match.

Or, read my ten word review.

Six Nations Game 11 - Italy vs Wales (23-20)

Wales won possession at the kickoff, but the boot of Ramiro Pez put them back in their own half pretty quickly. They needed to have a good game, having plaid three and lost all three.

Italy made the first break and went over the line, but the ball was thrown forward at the last pass. It would have been a dream for Pratichetti, making his first start for the Azzurri.

Wales wobbled at the early scrums. The Italian pack were lighter, but they can scrum a lot of folks into the ground. After eight minutes, Pez was given the opportunity to kick for three points, but at over 55m it fell slightly short. Wales infringed again a few minutes later, and Pez had an easier kick for goal, and the aim was true. First points to Italy, 3-0.

Alessandro Troncon [right] was making his 93rd appearance for the Azzurri, a gnarled old Italian warrior.

Wales had a chance after thirteen minutes, Mirco Bergamasco just landing on the ball over the line ahead of a Welsh jersey. A Welsh scrum on the Italian 22 came to naught when they were found crossing. Pez punted the free kick well into the Welsh half for an attacking lineout.

In the first quarter, Italy certainly looked the brighter prospect – and spent more time in Wales’ half. When the Reds infringed again, Pez took another three points, making them 6-0 up.

Gonzalo Canale took a bit hit to the leg and went off shortly afterwards. A replacement came on in the pack an Mauro Bergamasco went to cover the midfield duties.

Italy were pushing the Welsh pack backwards at the scrum, but Wales eventually won some ball. James Hook made a lovelykick ahead which was gathered by Tom Shanklin who offloaded to Shane Williams [left], and the flyer was off. Stephen Jones added the extras to take a narrow lead, 6-7. Jones was the recipient of a flying punch a few minutes later, and went off to be stitched up. Mauro Bergamasco was the offender.

After half an hour, Wales brought down an Italian scrum, and the penalty kick gave the Azzurri good field position to attack the Welsh. The made scappy progress but still retained possession. They were turned ovcer just in front of the posts, then Italy turned Wales over, but gave away a penalty shortly after.

Wales snaffled a scrum five minutes before half time, and went for a break. Hook made some good ground, but the support was lacking. Italy turned them over and a kick behind left Kaine Roberston [left] to run against Ian Gough – the No. 14 gathered a kind bounce and made it over the line. Pez then did the honours, giving them a 13-7 lead just before the break.

Wales started brightly in the second half, first with a penalty from James Hook, then Matthew Rees, the Welsh Hooker, sneaking over next to the posts. Hook converted, and Wales took the lead, 13-17.

Then at 50 minutes, Wales infringed and Italy kicked for the corner. A catch and drive was on, and the Italian forwards rumbled towards the line. However, Italy were caught accidentally offside, and Italy tried their utmost to disrupt the resulting Welsh scrum. The Reds weren’t put off, and won a lineout shortly after. Then the Azzurri gave away a penalty, Hook did the honours, taking them seven points clear, 13-20.

All of a sudden, the Blues were all over the Welsh line, and the forwards kept pushing, inch by inch. Meanwhile, the Azzurri backs were yelling for the ball, and Wales desperately tried to defend. The ball went to ground, but Italy won the scrum at 5m. It had to be reset, and it came out and they threw it wide to the backs. Still the Welsh defended, Italy creeping closer again. Italy were accidentally offside again, and the impetus was lost.

Wales had the put in at the scrum on 5m, but the Italians kept pushing. The clearance kick went down into blue hands. Italy were still in the Welsh half, when Ryan Jones gave away a penalty. Pez kicked for the corner, giving them a 10m lineout.

However, they were going backwards, and Wales got a lineout in the Italian half. Hook sliced through the midfield, but weren’t able to pass to the attacking men.

The last fifteen minutes were pretty scrappy. but it was mainly Italy in the Welsh half. Then, once the boot was on the other foot, Wales made a forward pass. During time out, there were bodies all over the place. It certainly looked like a hard-faught battle.

With ten minutes to go, Italy stole a lineout. There were several phases until Wales gave a penalty in front of the posts. Pez opted to kick the points, and his aim was good. Italy 16-20.

Italy won possession from the restart, but then Wales knocked it into touch. The Italian’s possession was disrupted just over the half way line, and they were awarded a penalty. This time, they opted for the corner with five minutes to go.

The Azzurri’s lineout was solid, and the forwards went driving with a massive push. They were stopped 3m short. Then 2m. The red line was straining not be be breached. Still the Italains drove on. Then Troncon spun it out wide, a chip ahead and Mauro Bergamasco grounded the ball just under the posts. Pez added another two, and the Stadio Flaminio went mental. Italy 23-20 with three minutes to go.

Wales kept possession from the restart, and pushed into the Italian half. Then the Welsh won a penalty. Massive decision with 10 seconds left! It was punted into the corner, but there was some messing about, and Chris White blew up for full time. Cue pandemonium – from the Italian supporters celebrating their win, and from the Welsh players, feeling they were robbed of the opportunity to pull ahead.

My heart was pounding – and I’m an independent observer! Well done to the Azzurri for their first back to back win.

Or read my ten word review.

Six Nations Game 9 – France vs Wales (32-21)

Stephen Jones [left] tried for an early drop goal in the first minute, but were given the opportunity of a penalty went wide too. Gough stole French lineout then France stole one back.

Then Mignoni passed a cracker to Vincent Clerc who made it to withing 5m of the Welsh line. The French won the subsequent lineout, and got a penalty too, as a Welshman took out a lifter. David Skrela took the three points and a French lead.

After another Welsh lineout and maul, Alix Popham [right] snuck over for a try and Jones punted the conversion to make it 3-7 to Wales. Then the Welsh stole another French lineout, James Hook took a great pass and offloaded to Tom Shanklin who scored right under the posts. Another 3 points from Jones’ boot and the French were down by 3-14. A bit of déjà vue with the Scotland/Italy game!

David Skrela took another three points penalty after a Welsh infringement at the ruck, and France had doubled their points. A messy up and under left Wales offside, Skrela kicked for territory for an attacking lineout on the Welsh 22. They won ball initially, but the Welsh turned them over quickly.

For a few minutes, it was all France in attack, but the red defence held firm. Left, right, they kept switching the ruck. Ref Tony Spreadbury had his work cut out to keep them all under control; eventually France were caught holding on. But they lost the lineout throwing in not straight.

France got a scrum and penalty on half way, and they proceeded to jink up the pitch, Christophe Dominici finally going over the line, his 23rd in a French jersey. A simple conversion for Skrela made the score finely poised at 13-14.

Wales gave away a silly penalty taking a man out in the air at a lineout, and the French forwards then went driving for a bit before switching to the backs for a run. Jannick Jauzion [right] found a hole, the Welsh were scrambling in defence for a couple of minutes before Lionel Nallet scored. Skrela’s boot did the job and the Welsh were down by 20-14.

With five minutes to go before half time, Shane Williams was smashed in a tackle by David Marty. Skrela had the chance for another three points which just floated over. Bad news for Wales, now 23-14 down.

Les Bleus were on a roll, running the length of the field. Dwayne Peel had to scramble the tackle. The French lineout wasn’t straight, which was bit of a get out for Wales as it was 5m out from their line. They must have been relieved to go in for half time.

After the break, Wales secured some ball, but the French soon snaffled it back. Then it was back to Wales; Shane Williams, James Hook and Tom Shanklin nearly getting it over the line, but being ushered into touch at the last minute. The French were lucky to win their lineout.

Then a huge hack back towards the Welsh line was saved by Dwayne Peel [left] with French players hard on his heels. Somehow he managed to clear with a kick. Wales infringed again at the lineout, and Skrela took the points yet again, making it a 12 point lead.

Soon after, France gave away a penalty but Stephen Jones‘ kick went wide. The French turned over possession from the restart, then Popham made a massive, crunching tackle on Raphael Ibañez. The French were all over the Welsh defence, deep in the Welsh 22. Then a red hand in the ruck gave Skrela another chance at goal. Sweetly struck, it went over once more and Wales were trailing 29-14.

It looked like the French had made another breakaway, but “Spreaders” had spotted a knock-on, so it was a Welsh scrum. Soon after, France gave away another penalty, this time James Hook stepped up to take it. But it floated wide too.

After a French scrum, Pierre Mignoni spotted a hole behind the Welsh defence, with a lovely kick for touch. The Welsh lineout was solid, but Les Bleus got the ball again, only to be done for hanging on in a tackle.

Wales almost gave away another intercept, and were lucky to get away with a scrum, which the French then bossed. Shane Williams [left] were caught offside, but Skrela’s kick at goal missed.

Wales won a lineout, but Martin Williams knocked on, a rare mistake from him in this match. Mike Phillips [right] came on instead of Peel, but France took a run upfield. The next Welsh scrum was a mess, not fault of Philips’, it was the forwards making a hash.

The Welsh put together some reasonable passages of play, but were unable to get across the half way line very quickly. Eventaully, with five minutes to go, Jamie Robinson broke loose to score under the posts, with Jones adding the points. Than left the “BRAWN” boys trailing by just 8 points, 29-21.

The French forwards went driving from a lineout win, and crept closer to the Welsh line. They were turned over but then got a chance again with a lineout at 10m. Then another chance with a penalty at 79 minutes.
an style=”font-weight:bold;”>Lionel Beauxis took the kick and sealed the game at 32-21. Skrela was Man of the Match.

Or read my ten word review.

Six Nations Game 5 – Scotland vs Wales (21-9)

Scotland made the brightest start and were rewarded early on with a Chris Paterson penalty. Wales took a quick tap from a scrum infringement, and Chris Cusiter [right] was just able to save the try for Scotland. Shortly after, Marcus di Rollo nearly crossed for Scotland, but he knocked on from the intercept.

A few minutes later, Paterson incremented the scoreboard by another 3 points after a Welsh infringement.

On 20 minutes, centre Rob Dewey made an incisive break but the dark blues were eventually shrugged off by Welsh defence. Dewey was largely on his own, or Scotland might have done better. Hugo Southwell was caught holding on, and Stephen Jones [left] slotted thee points for the Welsh.

Alix Popham [right] rocketed out of a Welsh scrum, but the move ultimately led to a Scottish lineout. This was fumbled and Wales then got a lineout close to the Scottish line.

The Welsh tested the Scottish defence for a few minutes, but were not able to get through, and then Popham took a forward pass.

Scotland were given a scrum when Czekaj knocked on a high ball catch, then Scotland were into the Welsh 22. Paterson got close to the line, but it was passed wide and they were awareded a penalty. Paterson chose to opt for goal to take them to 9-3.

A messy Scottish scrum led to phases which gave Wales a second penalty, swiftly slotted over by Stephen Jones, just before the half time whistle.

The second half began with the rain coming down steadily, and the game there for the taking by either side. Tom Shanklin [right] came on after the break for James Hook who suffered a dead leg. Then Scotland got a penalty for Wales coming in from the side. Rob Sidoli was briefly forced to run around in stockinged feet when the studs came off his boot but a replacement pair were not forthcoming!

Soon after, Chris Paterson got another three points from the boot, and again after another Wales infringement. Then they were 15-6. Stephen Jones replied a few minutes later with his own penalty kick. Rhys Thomas [right] was sin-binned for coming in from the side and Paterson punted over yet another penalty to make it 18-9.

Paterson made a break with a lovely chip ahead kick, but he was hauled down 2m short of the line by Stephen Jones. The subsequent scrum saw Peel and Cusiter exchanging a few handbag swings, but Scotland won it to push hard at the Welsh line. Incidentally, Dwayne Peel [left] won his 50th cap for Wales today, and he’s still only 25!

The forwards barrelled over, and it was left to the TMO to decide if the ball was grounded – his verdict – held up. The Scottish scrum was won but the player shielded himself behind the ref! The reset pushed hard again and the backs were turned over by the canny Welsh defence for a lineout. All this, with Wales still working with 14 men, but the lineout wasn’t straight and Scotland won a reprieve with a scrum but could not capilalise getting any points.

Still the Scots kept coming, and still the Welsh line would not break. Suddenly a Welsh turnover saw play back in the Scottish half, having been camped in dark blue territory for most of the second half. A chip kick saw Scotland gather but Welsh hands caught them out and won a scrum.
The last ten minutes saw the ball changing hands regularly, but the scoreboard only progressed by another 3 points thanks to Chris Paterson’s boot – to give a final score of 21-9. Simon Taylor got the Man Of The Match award. Scrappy, with no tries, but the Scots can be relieved to have gained their victory.

Tomorrow’s game between Ireland and France, the first ever at Croke Park, promises to be a cracker. I think my money is on Ireland, despite them being without key playmakers, Peter Stringer and Brian O’Driscoll. Let’s see if Les Bleus prove me wrong!

Or read my Ten Word Review.