Time was when sport was defined by the seasons – autumn to spring for football and rugby – summer for cricket and athletics. No more. Back on 23rd August, the Ospreys ran out in an opening fixture against Leicester. Now, ten months later, many of that team are crossing the Atlantic for Internationals against Canada (May 30th) and USA (6th June) as Wales embark on their tour of North America.
Not many are complaining though. Some – like Ryan Jones – will be hoping to keep fit for a possible late call up for the British Lions as they take on the Springboks. Coach Robin McBride will no doubt be aware that the Lions carrot may dangle before some of his squad, but he will be totally focussed on Wales, hoping that Canada and the USA will not prove to be an embarrassing banana skin for his team. Wales know the feeling, losing to the Canadians back in 1993, but the strength of Canadian rugby is a shadow of their glory days, so take Wales to beat both of their North American opponents pretty comfortably.
Who knows, a couple of players may then be on the next flight to Africa for the summer. The others can put their feet up – at last.
Words: Dave Brayley
Pic: Vapourtrails
