Wales are
facing a potentially difficult and divisive 2014 domestically, but
internationally the outlook is on the whole a positive one. Despite the
continued loss of players from Wales it can still be regarded as likely winners
of the Six Nations 2014. With so many top players leaving, the regions have had
to blood young players and given the recent success of the Wales u20’s this is
no bad thing. The retention of the Six Nations was the highlight of 2013 with
the championship culminating in the conclusive victory over England at a
delirious Millennium Stadium. Then, there was the huge Welsh contribution to
the Lions in Australia, this should have set Wales up for a successful autumn
series, sadly it was not to be.
When South
Africa swept up the field to score their superb opening try they left the field
littered with wounded and deflated Welsh players dealing them a blow they never
recovered from. The severe injury to the glittering Jonathan Davies gave the
‘Boks an opening they exploited brutally, taking full advantage of a stunned
and disorientated Welsh side. As the series of matches rumbled on, Welsh
centres in particular became an endangered species and when the Wallabies came
to town they ruthlessly targeted the callow Welsh midfield. Wales tried hard to
spin positives out of yet another defeat to Australia, but the unpalatable
truth was that they were outplayed for large periods of the match. Wales might
have learnt a great deal but, untried youngsters simply could not make up the
gulf necessary in terms of experience and intensity for these test matches. The
lack of an “A” team looks more and more like a poor long term decision, with
Gatland all too often being forced to throw untried players into the crucible
of the international arena before they are ready.
Disappointments of 2013
The continued
underperformance of the Welsh line-out; the apparent lack of variety in attack
“Warrenball” cannot defeat the better sides alone; losing to Ireland first up
in the Six Nations 2013. But, probably the most disappointing aspect of 2013
for Wales would be their continued inability to beat one of the top SH sides;
in particular the Wallabies, worryingly it is not about skillsets, size,
fitness or technical back up rather it’s the lack of mental strength, belief
and making the correct decision under pressure.
Successes of 2013
The winning
the Six Nations, after three consecutive away victories that culminated in that
fantastic occasion at the Millennium Stadium, with England being humbled by a
rampant Welsh display, and the fantastic efforts of the Welsh players and
coaches for the Lions of 2013.
Player of the year
There are,
after such a good season several contenders; AWJ, Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar, George
North, Halfpenny, Richard Hibbard, and Justin Tirpuric are all worthy of
consideration. But two others stand out; Toby Faletau and Jonathan Davies both
have been outstanding for Wales and the Lions. Jonathan Davies deserves this
accolade by the smallest of margins, for after his dismal performance against
the Irish he went on to make himself a match winner for Wales, and then to go
on to be the outstanding centre on the Lions tour; and by its conclusion he was
universally regarded, both as a world class and dignified model professional
player.
Emerging players
Once again
there are several contenders worthy of mention; Liam Williams, Scott Williams,
Rhodri Jones and Ken Owens. But the player who made the most of his
opportunity, and played with a calmness and authority of a much more
experienced international, emerging from this season as arguably Wales first
choice no.10 and could go on to be a long term international player, is Dan
Biggar.
Hopes for 2014
Wales and
Gatland will need to focus on what they can control and leave the domestic
fracas to sort itself out and aim to fulfil the group’s stated target of
winning the Six Nations for the third time, consecutively. He will need a fully
fit squad. If Wales are able to play their first choice 23 then they are a
match for any side in the NH, home or away. With three games at home, the
matches at Twickenham and Dublin could well decide the fate of the trophy. You
can bet, that certain Irish players will be anticipating with relish their game
with the Welsh on Saturday 8th February. The tour to South Africa
and the recently published autumn internationals mean that Wales are playing
the top three countries in 2014, they must win at least two of these games to
be considered as contenders for the RWC 2015. At the moment that feels like a
tall order unless Gatland can strengthen his squad, keep the players healthy
and look to introduce some flexibility to the Welsh game plan.
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