For my bold predictions for this match and the following England v France game, check out my Saturday Quarter Final Predictions post from this arvo.
Firstly, a quick nod to where I'm watching the game. Megan is in hospital for intensive twin monitoring, during the countdown to their impending arrival. She is 28 weeks pregnant, and complications mean they will definitely be delivered by the 32 week mark. It sounds scary, but she has taken it all in her stride.
They say behind every great man there is a great woman... well behind these posts has been her spectre looming large; as my IT guru, brilliant sub-editor and co-author of some of the finest witticisms. We can't break up this team, so I'll be watching this important match on her tiny 21 inch Hospital TV. The sound comes out of a little telephone-like speaker, and we need to crook our necks to the roof to see the screen....not that we're complaining - these issues can be defined as "first world problems". That said, if I miss any of the game's finer nuances, it is probably because they were too hard to spot!
Wales fire the first salvo with a magnificent anthem!
It is amusing watching the game on Maori TV on this tiny TV set. The combination of the tiny screen and Keith Quinn's commentary makes me feel like I'm back in 1985! Also the big monstering start by the Welsh forwards is of a previous epic era. They hammer away at the Irish line and set up a marvellous try to speedy right winger Shane Williams. The try is converted 7-0 after just 4 minutes.
The Irish rise to this challenge, and earn a kickable penalty on the Welsh line moments later. They turn down the 3 points, and go for a line-out, TWICE. This is a statement, Ireland want their points 5 at a time at least. But it's not to be the Welsh repel the Celtic hoards and Ireland will be rueing their brave decision.
Still 7-0 after 10 minutes.
Amazingly on 15 minutes the Irish again refuse to kick for 3 points. This is either brilliant or crazy. They get closer this time and get the ball over the Welsh line, but are held up. The Irish scrum looks solid. They keep pounding on the Welsh line but Ronan O'Gara drops the pill. Oh No! The Welsh relieve the pressure, still 7-0 with 19 minutes played.
The Irish nearly score from a lovely break from fullback Rob Carney. Another penalty is conceded by Wales - this time they Irish take the 3 points on offer as O'Gara slots it. It is almost disappointing they've seen sense, but it is a boon they are back in the game. 7-3 after 24 minutes. It could be 7-9!
Almost immediately the Welsh attempt a three pointer of their own. I guess it is inevitable the game will settle down to a kick fest, but the first 20 minutes were some of the most entertaining of the whole tournament so far. Leigh Halfpenny bangs it over from round 50 metres. 10-3 to Wales after 29 minutes.
The Irish aren't finished with running footy yet. Soon they are camped back on the Welsh try-line for the third time in the match. This really is a great match. Ronan O'Gara is being extremely influential - his kicking game is gaining the Irish plenty of cheap yards.
But despite making the lion's share of the enterprise the Irish can't turn the pressure into points. They head to the sheds with Wales ahead by 10-3.
It seems the Irish will have the wind at their backs in the second half. Whether or not it is a 7 point breeze will be discovered in the next 40 minutes. Within minutes of kickoff the Irish are camped back on the Welsh line, and they have their tails up.
Ireland score an almost infeasible try to left winger Keith Earls - the two try hero from the Italian match. They looked to have absolutely butchered it, as the pass was hurled to Earls on the bounce. He gathers, sprints and begins his dive a full 6 metres from the line. The TMO shows that he fairly scored the 5 pointer in almost worm-like fashion. Ronan O'Gara slots a very difficult conversion and the score is tied at 10 apiece after 46 minutes. Rugby is the winner at the moment!
Ireland's try spurs the Welsh back into action. They have been simply soaking up Irish pressure since scoring first. They'll need to do more now, and they know it. Massive halfback Mike Phillips scores with a delightful swan dive in the left Irish corner. Welcome to Game On! country. 15-10 Wales after 51 minutes.
There is a huge turning point in the match after 58 minutes. The Welsh earn a kickable penalty and Halfpenny hits the post. If it had gone over then the Welsh would have a very defendable 8 point lead, but it doesn't. Ireland could still be ahead with a converted try, and everyone knows it.
Jonathan Sexton is on for O'Gara. He isn't quite as dependable with place kicking, but seems to have a bigger bag of open play kicking tricks. His boot will face the most important 20 minutes of its career.
Well I never, Jonathan Davis begins a run at the Irish defence from beyond the 22 metre line. Nobody wants to tackle him and he is allowed to monster over for the 3rd Welsh try. The score favours the Leeks 22-10 after 65 minutes. It is Wales' game to lose.
Or Ireland's to win! They assault the Welsh line and have them at their mercy... only to knock on. There are 12 minutes left.
With 8 minutes to go Megan exclaims "The Irish need a miracle." But it seems it isn't going to happen. Again the Welsh hit the post with a penalty, but Ireland aren't making the play enough. The Welsh are looking well worth their 12 point lead.
The Welsh are managing to contain the multiple Irish assaults by committing fewer forwards to the rucks. Their back line is chockfull of big hulking forward units as well as all the backs. The Irish simply can't find a way through and run out of time.
Wales become the second Welsh side to progress to a World Cup Semi, and they thoroughly deserve it.
Ireland were valiant and never gave up, but that wasn't enough.
Final Score Wales 22-10 Ireland
41 games 246 tries.
Tweet of the match - "The Welsh are playing like it's the end of the world. Have switched allegiances. Go Wales!" @mattgeeknz ... Matt is a beloved friend of ours and is ordinarily disinterested in all sport, particularly rugby. The fact that he watched this game in the first place, let alone felt allegiance to either team, says it all.
Nicely summed up Hudsie. Was at the game and you captured the nuances of the game perfectly. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteOnly one thing you may have missed on the little 21" that you were watching - the Irish won the anthem. They were in much better singing form than the Welsh.
Thanks for that Mobsta. That "Ireland, Irrrreland!" ditty is quite catchy too.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies to all my readers for the inaccuracy.