Mike Phillips of Wales clears from the base of the scrum. AAP Images
Sunday’s semi-final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies will understandably receive tremendous publicity. After all, it is one the most highly anticipated matches ever between the two rugby powerhouses.
But don’t disregard the other semi-final, which includes the team that has captured the attention of the global rugby community and proved so many doubters wrong throughout the tournament.
Wales, the sleeping giant of Rugby World Cup 2011, is now one win away from participating in its inaugural World Cup final. All it has to do is replicate its good form over the past three weeks and knock over an unpredictable France unit at Eden Park on Saturday.
Some pundits may have predicted the French would feature deep into the World Cup. But honestly, who really thought the Welsh would still be alive now?
The Red Dragons have exhaled some dangerous fire throughout the tournament. They have scored the second-most points and the second-mist tries of any team.
It is official – Wales is the real deal.
But why now? Why is the Dragons’ jigsaw puzzle finally coming together at the right time?
Perhaps Wales’ biggest asset during its time in New Zealand has been its fitness.
At the moment, the Welsh are as robust as Manny Pacquiao. And it’s due to their well-publicised physical preparation.
They attended two brutal training camps in the lead-up to the tournament, where they were subjected to three or four lung-bursting sessions each day on the track and in the gym, weight training and exposure to temperatures of -140 degrees Celsius in a cryotherapy chamber.
The aim of the program was to speed recovery times and increase stamina – and it has worked. The Welsh have run all their games out with aplomb, with the best example coming in the second half of their pool match against Samoa in Hamilton.
Wales’ calm, yet assertive coach Warren Gatland has also played a big part in the team’s revival.
Gatland has his side playing a good-looking brand of rugby, spreading the ball and using the full width of the field when attacking. The players now believe in themselves and genuinely trust each other. They have composure with the ball and vary their attacking plays, almost to the point of unpredictability.
In the past, Wales has been criticised for being too reliant on the mercurial talents of James Hook, or the kicking accuracy of Lee Byrne.
Not anymore.
This is a strong Wales squad that bats deeper than the Australian cricket team during the mid-2000’s.
Gatland has invested tremendously into youth. When Wales defeated Ireland on Sunday, none of Hook, Ryan Jones, Stephen Jones or Leigh Byrne was named in the starting line-up. That is a credit to Gatland for developing such confidence and courage in his young players.
The Wales coach had the guts to appoint Sam Warburton as captain at the tender age of 22. And not only has Warburton thrived with the responsibility of leading his team, he has also been one of the best performed flankers of the tournament, particularly from a defensive viewpoint.
Wing George North and number eight Toby Faletau are two other Welsh players who have turned plenty of heads. North is the second youngest player in the tournament, but his performances to date – highlighted by a hat-trick of tries against Namibia – has proved he is a man playing with a maturity beyond his age. While the burly Faletau has impressed with his gut-running through the middle, particularly in Wales’ first pool match against South Arica.
But Wales’ biggest x-factor on the field is Leigh Halfpenny.
Whether he plays at wing or full back, Halfpenny gives his team incredible value – no pun intended. He’s a small man (178cm) playing a big man’s game, but his diminutive stature is no obstacle. In fact, it’s a valuable asset, as it allows him to run with the ball and use his Fred Flinstone like footsteps and agility to avoid sturdy, would-be tacklers.
At 191cm and 101kg, Mike Phillips is one of the biggest scrumhalf’s in the competition – but he’s damn effective. His clever try against Ireland on Sunday, where he fooled the Irish defence by running to the blindside and lunging for a classy try, changed the game. Like any good scrumhalf, Phillips is hard to cover and makes the right decisions more often than not.
Gatland has been mentioned many times throughout the article, but one man who doesn’t get enough credit is defensive coach Shaun Edwards. The Englishman, who crossed over to the ‘dark side’ in 2008, has developed an energetic and tenacious defensive wall. On Sunday, the Irish were restricted to just one try for the game and never found a consistent rhythm in attack.
Come on down, Mr Edwards, and take your well-deserved bow.
Wales is peaking at the right time – a scary proposition for the French.
But now the challenge for the Welsh is to manage the expectation and euphoria that comes with playing in a Rugby World Cup semi-final. They know their country hasn’t had this much success on a rugby pitch for so long. Therefore, this squad needs to have just as much mental strength than physical strength come Saturday.
So if you’re planning to mosey on down to the beach to lap up the picturesque weather, or dedicate your entire Saturday to punting on the Caulfield Cup, think again.
Make sure you check out this vigorous, strong and disciplined Wales squad.
They are worthy semi-finalists. They would also be deserved finalists.
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.
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