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The profile of the Welsh rugby team on the world stage belies the country’s small population of just under four million people.
In neighbouring England, football rules supreme and rugby union lies a distant second in the battle of the winter sporting codes.
In contrast, rugby union is the national sport of Wales, with only New Zealand able to boast similarly fanatical levels of support across all walks of life.
Notwithstanding some indifferent displays this year, Six Nations grand slams such as those delivered in 2005 and 2008 remain the expectation for a parochial local population.
The ability of a strongly performing Welsh rugby team to unite the population against a common foe, normally that unruly lot across the Severn Bridge, cannot be underestimated.
This Saturday however, that foe is the Wallabies as a prized southern hemisphere scalp is up for grabs in the first of the Cardiff autumn internationals.
On game days such as these spectators flood into Cardiff from the valleys and surrounding towns which ring the capital; the lifeblood of the nation’s rugby support flowing into its beating heart. Trains and buses into the city centre are awash with a sea of supporters decked out in red, spilling out into Central Square for the short march to Millennium Stadium.
The southern stand looming above the River Taff is the first sight that passengers arriving at Cardiff’s central station will see. Millennium Stadium is a dominant landmark within the city skyline; a spine-tingling sight that evokes the spirit of the old Cardiff Arms Park upon which it is built.
Inside the stadium, the enclosed roof adds deafening levels of volume to the electric atmosphere. More than 80,000 parochial Welsh supporters and a smattering of visiting fans pack into the steep seating arrangement which feels like it is almost on top of players at surface level below. Along with rugby, the Welsh national psyche is infused with song and the hymn ‘Land Of My Fathers’ reverberating around the ground during play is something to behold.
The swirling noise within this intimidating cauldron also causes problems for the visitors on the field, who struggle to hear anything above the din. While the cacophony is a true disadvantage for the away team, for onlookers it only adds to an awe-inspiring atmosphere matched by few others in world rugby.
Any Wallabies supporters lucky enough to be in Cardiff next weekend can expect a rowdy reception and some good-natured ribbing from their excitable but nervy hosts. No matter the result at the final whistle, the post-match banter in overflowing pubs along St Mary Street and at salubrious eateries on ‘Chippy Lane’ will be well-intentioned and humorous, if a little slurred.
Adding to the significance of the weekend’s encounter is the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2015 pool match, taking place between the two sides next October just two hundred miles away at Twickenham. The weight of expectation from the home fans will be just that bit heavier, while Michael Cheika’s Wallabies will no doubt be aware than an important psychological boost ahead of the Rugby World Cup in British conditions is up for grabs.
The Wallabies have an excellent recent record against the men in red, winning their last nine matches in succession. Although most of these wins have been fairly tight affairs, the last clash in 2013 saw the Wallabies unleash a second half onslaught to build an unassailable lead.
Where the Wallabies are at this time around however, is a little more complex. Mass upheaval has occurred behind the scenes as a result of the recent ill-fated Rugby Championship tour, resulting in a rookie international coach and some under-fire players facing their first true European Test after the Barbarians tune-up at Twickenham.
Wales also come into the match facing question marks, thanks to some ponderous early season form and the omission of Lions tourists James Hook and Adam Jones from Warren Gatland’s squad.
For the Wallabies, a loss in Cardiff would heap further pressure upon the squad who desperately need to win in emphatic fashion following recent dramas. However, should the Welsh manage their first win against the Wallabies since 2008 in spite of recent form, you would be hard pressed to begrudge the boyos their moment of glory.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.