If it will help Scotland to go on and beat
the English, then I hope they beat us
AT chastened Cardiff Arms Park, as England went about their busines of
beating Wales -- totally expected, of course -- the two biggest cheers
of the afternoon followed public announcements of the score from Paris.
The first said Scotland were leading 16-11, and the second announced
the improbable final result. The reaction even drowned out the growing
chorus of Swing Low Sweet Chariot.
In a city that did not want to discuss England that night, the
Scottish success was a major talking point.
One passionate Welsh fan explained what the Welsh exodus to
Murrayfield this weekend means as a result.
''If it will help Scotland to go on and beat England, then I hope they
beat us,'' he declared.
''In fact, much as it hurts me to say it, I think I might even end up
supporting Scotland against Wales for that reason.''
After all, Wales have nothing left to go for this season, and have
even failed in their bi-annual duty of beating England in Cardiff.
There is no doubt that in Welsh minds the next best thing to Wales
doing well is England doing badly, and Scotland represent the last hope
of England being beaten in this Five Nations.
Most Welsh rugby fans know the words of Flower of Scotland; indeed, it
will usually come up on a sing-song night not long after Calon Lan and
We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillsides.
The trip to Murrayfield is a fun one and, exactly the same as going to
Dublin, the result is less important than the good time had by all --
and a good time is invariably had.
Equally, a rock-solid, guaranteed way of making friends in Cardiff is
to wear a kilt when Scotland are about to take the field at the Arms
Park.
Last year, after Wales had stuffed Scotland comprehensively, a
Scotsman playing the bagpipes stood on a table and held total sway in
Cardiff's Royal Hotel .. . . while Welshmen sang along in high spirits.
That victory set Wales off on their way to becoming Five Nations
champions; indeed, the points difference gained over Scotland was the
primary reason Wales finished above England in the table.
This time round the roles are reversed, as injuries have ripped the
heart out of this season's Welsh effort.
Wales have been unable to pick their first choice full back, left
wing, loose head or tight head for the trip to Murrayfield.
Add on the fact that they have also lost, at various stages of the
season, their right wing, outside centre, inside centre, scrum half, No
8, and blindside, and it is hardly any surprise that last season's
progress has stuttered and stumbled more than somewhat.
Ieuan Evans is a key man on the right wing as skipper and record try
scorer, but against England he looked more than a little short of the
sharpness that made him the world's best.
That is hardly surprising, given that when Evans broke his ankle many
thought it would end his career altogether, and certainly few thought it
possible for him to be playing international rugby again so soon.
Evans is improving game by game, but will probably not be back to his
usual dynamic self until the World Cup.
Of the injured players who returned against England, only centre Nigel
Davies looked fully involved, while back row men Cmyr Lewis and Hemi
Taylor both appeared anonymous after lengthy lay-offs.
Again, that was hardly surprising, and two weeks back in training will
make a considerable difference to the pair who have forged such an
influential partnership for top-of-the-table Cardiff.
Wales have not scored a try against South Africa, France or England,
and the main criticism for that has been directed at the back line in
general and outside half Neil Jenkins in particular.
Someone of his outstanding kicking ability has to be kept in the side
somewhere, it is generally agreed, but perhaps his future is at inside
centre of full back.
Today's game against Scotland could even represent a last chance for
Jenkins to prove he can transfer his excellent form for Pontypridd on to
the international stage, although criticism of hims is often unfair
given the abilities he displays at club level.
Yet form does not always matter for this fixture, anyway.
Two years ago Wales arrived in Edinburgh full of high spirits, having
annihilated England 10-7 at Cardiff, and were in turn taken to the
cleaners up front as the Scots whitewashed them 20-0.
The way the pack was destroyed was a major motivating factor in the
Welsh forward performance last season, and no doubt it will get a few
mentions again this time round to ensure there is no repeat.
Yet this is a shadow of the Welsh side that did well last season.
Apart from the players missing, there are others who still appear short
of full match fitness.
In the front row, where two replacements were need, they have opted
for the massive experience of Mike Griffiths on the loose head and the
raw potential of Spencer John on the tight head.
John will be no easy touch for Scotland, having stood up impressively
to the first choice South African eight when Llanelli played the
tourists in October.
For all that, Wales will be firm underdogs, and not too many Welsh
supporters will let defeat get in the way of their enjoyment.
Two weeks later, all Wales will be with Scotland in spirit when they
head South to Twickenham, trying to succeed where the Welsh failed in
lowering the colours of mighty England.
Even the Welsh tend to think that game might be more important.
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