The Welsh rugby union squad are set to continue their success tomorrow night (after destroying Canada last weekend) as they play against the US of A. An under strength Ireland side laboured to a 27 – 10 victory against the USA Eagles last weekend, and Wales, boosted by the selection of the experienced Ian Gough, Dwayne Peel, Mark Jones and Nicky Robinson, really should better that margin.
The Eagles play a similar brand of rugby to Canada, which means plenty of passion, commitment and industry, but also a tendency to run out of ideas – and steam – in the last quarter, and this is where Wales should dominate. For many players, it will be the end of a busy season, and they will want to finish with a bang. There’ll also be a few players – centres Jonathon Davies and Andrew Bishop of the Scarlets and Ospreys respectively – who will want to leave the Welsh management with a positive memory of them in their minds for when next season’s squads are selected. Dan Biggar achieved that last Saturday as man of the match against Canada yet he only makes the bench this week.
So, a Wales win by 20 to 30 points I reckon, and then everyone’s attention can turn to the British Lions…….wouldn’t it be nice if they could continue in the vein of their own 74 – 10 massacre this week of their namesakes, the Golden Lions. Time will tell, but they’re starting to build a bit of momentum which could eventually spell danger for the Springboks.
Words: Dave Brayley
Pic: Pellatron