It's not good to talk to us about Rugby at the moment. After the victory of the French XV over the All Blacks last weekend, we are not ready to witness another scrum anytime soon. But to boost our morale, we can always look at what is being done elsewhere, such as in Wales. And one thing is certain, the FGL must be over the moon with its selection.
Wales, this team we talk about too little
Saturday October 7, 2023. If you don't remember what you were doing that day, you can be sure that the 3 million Welsh people remember it like it was yesterday. And for good reason, it was the last time in their lives that they saw the Leek XV win a rugby match. At the time, the Welsh had defeated Georgia in the World Cup group match (43-19). From then on, it was a series of ten consecutive defeats, a record equaled with 2003. A series which started with the elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Argentina (29-17). Well, does an elimination in the quarter-finals of a Rugby World Cup remind you of anything?
So facing Australia, a nation that it eliminated in this same World Cup with a score of 40-6 in group play, Wales hopes to put an end to this splendid series. But it only takes around twenty minutes at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to know that the Welsh are about to write the history of their country in indelible ink. In fact, the Wallabies lead 19-0. The tone is set. Wales recovered to 19-13 just before the break, just to create great hope for their supporters. The stampede behind will only be more delicious.
The Welsh refute the previous national record
However, everything suggests that Warren Gatland's men will defeat this Indian, or rather Australian, sign. Indeed, Kerevi was excluded from the start of the second half, and Australia played outnumbered for 40 minutes. But that doesn't stop the Welsh from conceding 5 tries (FIVE) while playing 15 against 14. In these moments, you have to sit back and enjoy the level on offer. Absolutely unplayable.
The Welsh suffered a gala defeat (8 tries conceded) in front of their own supporters (52-20) and above all, signed an 11th setback in a row, RECORD BROKEN. Never in the history of the Leek XV have the Welsh experienced such a drought. And the best part of this story is that this series of defeats could get worse when they host South Africa next weekend.
With this record of zero victories in 2024, Wales is in excellent 11th place in the world rankings, the worst rank in its history. Just ahead of Georgia, and behind Italy. It is becoming urgent that the XV of France draws inspiration from what is best in Europe. Our selection is sorely lacking in Jones and Williams.
