News

State of the nation - Wales

Tuesday 02nd December 2008

Andy Powell: Outstanding

It's difficult to know what to write about Wales, given they could have feasibly won all four of their November internationals.

As it was they finished two and two, wins against Australia and Canada cancelled out by defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, leaving the jury out in one regard. There is no doubt Wales have the quality to mix it with the world's best, but there are still questions as to their ability to win the big games.

Yes they beat Australia, but at the same time they will rue missed chances against the other two of the Tri-Nations.

If we are being realistic the New Zealand game, despite Wales holding a half-time lead, was never one they were going to win. However, the opening game of the series was one that well and truly got away. Trailing by just five points entering the final minutes Wales had not one, but two chances, to claim what would have been a famous victory. Sadly they butchered both, leaving us all wondering what might have been.

What will frustrate Warren Gatland most was the fact Wales fluffed their lines with such basic errors, not what one would expect from a side aiming to be bracketed with the Southern Hemisphere big boys. And those errors, namely the time-honoured traditional Welsh line-out problems, could have cost Wales against Australia.

If, and this still remains to be seen, Wales are to break into the top four sides in the world they will need to eradicate the simple errors, as not only will they fail to accomplish their goal without doing so, but they will be brutally punished for such slip-ups. Gatland clearly has the making of a fine side, but between now and the Six Nations he has a fair amount of fine-tuning to do.

On the plus side there was that final victory. There was a fear, and in the past it would have been realised, that Wales would finish with three defeats against the Tri-Nations sides. When the pressure was on to deliver they did - and in some style. The final Saturday's performance was the best they have mustered in a good while, and went along way in suggesting it is not long before we do see Wales take out South Africa and New Zealand.

The ability and willingness to offload in the contact area proved a valuable component of their game, and once in behind defences Wales have the firepower to hit where it hurts. There were, at times, suggestions they were looking to force the pass a little too much, which only served to hinder their game through a loss of shape. But when the balance between offloading and structured play is found, Wales will be more than a handful in attack.

Most pleasing was the manner in which they took their lessons on board. From the South African defeat they came away knowing at this level you can't afford to waste chances, whereas New Zealand taught them the need to play rugby for the duration, not just for forty minutes. In the past, such lessons have been lost, only for the same mistakes to come back and bite them again. Not this time.

Gatland must have been delighted to see his side exerting pressure on the Wallabies until the final whistle blew. It is important to remember that one win does not make a team, but in Wales' case it will go a long way in restoring the belief they can become a major force in world rugby. If that is the case, sub-standard displays such as we saw against Canada will not be tolerated.

Admittedly Gatland rung the changes for that game, but it is still no excuse for such a disjointed effort. The need for depth at this level can not be stressed enough, thus the need for second-string players to step up to the plate when given the chance is paramount, else Wales will never rise to the top.

With the Six Nations up next, Wales can enjoy Christmas knowing 2009 holds much hope. Those words have been uttered before, but this time there is a genuine belief in what they are trying to achieve, and with whom they are trying to achieve it with.

Star of the Series: Wales had a host of players who stood out over the past month. Lee Byrne was superb, both in defence and attack, and if he does not make the British and Irish Lions Test side there are grave failings in the selection system. Gareth Cooper finally delivered at Test level, which is a good thing for him given the barman at the last chance saloon was lining him up a drink. Stephen Jones was superb at fly-half, picking the right option with an ease he has lacked in the past, and showing a great deal of power in contact. But this award goes to the Cardiff Blues duo of Andy Powell and Leigh Halfpenny for their outstanding arrivals on the international stage. Powell not only made his debut and subsequently cemented a place in the Wales side, but he made a compelling case for Lions selection with his all-action displays. A touch quiet against New Zealand he was head and shoulders above the rest against South Africa and Australia, proving he does have the ability to play Test rugby. Halfpenny, half the size of Powell, was equal to the number eight in every respect. A brace of tries, three fine performances, and all this from a Test rookie. There is still work for both to do but Wales have unearthed a couple of gems.