South Africa Wales - match thread

[Gatts]

First topic message reminder :

Well my comments today about the mighty 'W' and the performances of the minnow sides have obviously caused some controversy. I wouldn't be Gats if I didn't prod the opposition occasionally, usually just before a big game.

I for one loved watching Japan's bushido approach to tackling and Romania's scrummaging, it only served to highlight the soulless nature of the professional era when contrasted against the big teams seemingly inept but effective closing out. Namibia outplaying fiji for long periods and as for Argentina they played like warrior poets and i know all about them.
It reminded me of the good old days when giants could be slain and perhaps all these teases will finally come to fruition tonight when a new Welsh breed takes on the might of Bok experience . I am a romantic at heart, Tommo's kiss was old school class, the way we used to get under the oppo skin before tmo and yellow cards. But that era is gone, Wales played on passion alone for years and that, in my view and in hindsight, was our biggest problem. Gatland, a Kiwi and therefore fundamentally unable to get the significance of rugby in Wales, comes form a place where, clearly , rugby is life. That is a beautiful thing that we are all lucky enough to share in. I pity those that never pulled on the shirt, smelt the ralgex, bled and bought your opposite number a jug.
Gatland stumbled over the transition of Wales from a team that had to play offload catch up in the last third, to a team that is within a few hours going to play a game which may define how we progress for years to come. i know they can win but history tells us they can't.

Its now or never. No more talk. Bring on the boks and may the best team win.

[Cari]

Argh shoite. Have put S4C on as they're better than ITV...

[Mad for Chelsea]

halt-time

Wales should be happy with their response to the early SA try, they've got themselves into the game nicely.

[B91212]

SA looked to be blowing pretty hard by the end of the half - hopefully that's a sign for the second half.

[eirebilly]

Will burger get penalized for leading into tackles with his shoulder?

I know that he is a great player but i just cant stand him. He often appears to (me at least) purposely try to hurt opponants.

[Cymroglan]

Wind with us in this half

[Ozzy3213]

Hmmm, looks like Barnes has decided to just penalise the defending team if the scrum goes down

To be fair it looked to me like Paul James lost the hit and went straight down. Right call from Barnes.

[TheGreyGhost]

Wayne Barnes is one of my fave refs. I never worry if he's refereeing a game I'm supporting. Always does a good job.

Your just trying to wind up certain NZ posters now aren't you?

Cari

Barnes' refereeing is like the weather in London. If you think it's good, just wait 5 minutes.

[Guest]

we had a lot of territory and posession there though and didn't do enough with it. Starting to look a bit more confident on the ball though and hugely impressed with our last scrum, we actually drove SA back! More of that please Cymru.

[Shifty]

I know that he is a great player but i just cant stand him. He often appears to (me at least) purposely try to hurt opponants.

All South African players do that, it's how they play the game out there. It's not a snide remark, but they play tough out there.

[Cari]

Will burger get penalized for leading into tackles with his shoulder?

I know that he is a great player but i just cant stand him. He often appears to (me at least) purposely try to hurt opponants.

+ 1 Billy. He's a good player, but also a thug and lets himself down. I really can't stand him.

[Cari]

Nice analogy Ghostie!

[Shifty]

Right so Wales are doing well, so basically if they conceede and early second half try they will go flat and lose, if they score early they might win.

[rugbywhales]

Wales are a 2nd half team now. We are better in broken play that's when we score tries & our fitness will show. We conceded only 1 kickable penalty that's impressive. Going into 2nd half so close we can do it.

[Gatts]

I know that he is a great player but i just cant stand him. He often appears to (me at least) purposely try to hurt opponants.

All South African players do that, it's how they play the game out there. It's not a snide remark, but they play tough out there.

sorry have i missed a rule change? The absolute purpose of rugby is to hurt your opponent in the tackle....smash them back, when has that ever been a grey area?

[Cari]

I know it sounds obvious but Wales need to get the first try in the second half to gain the psychological advantage and the upper hand.

Oh great panel on S4C!

[Guest]

I don't think rugby was ever about hurting your opponent Gatts. Beating them in a game yes, but never to actually hurt them

[Guest]

Jiffy is so much more eloquent when he speaks in Welsh.

[EnglishReign]

Wales are doing very well. An early 2nd half try will change everything.

[Shifty]

Francois Pienaar such a charismatic and polite man, if South Africa do lose I wonder if he will get annoyed... Na he will probably just congratulate Wales.

[majesticimperialman]

So far looking good for Wales.

[nathan]

Its a bit worrying the amount of possession Wales have had and not got the points to show for it. hopefully that will change in the 2nd half.

[Gatts]

I don't think rugby was ever about hurting your opponent Gatts. Beating them in a game yes, but never to actually hurt them

keep dreaming

[eirebilly]

I know that he is a great player but i just cant stand him. He often appears to (me at least) purposely try to hurt opponants.

All South African players do that, it's how they play the game out there. It's not a snide remark, but they play tough out there.

I get that Alyn, but he does it ways thats slightly off putting. Big hitter without a doubt but also on the verge of careless and one day may cause a player a serious injury. I like a big hit and drive back as much as the next fan but i like to see it done in a fair way and not in a thuggish way.

[Shifty]

If Wales did win would this be the biggest upset of all time in a World Cup, or do you think the 1991 game against Samoa still would be?

[Gatts]

SA bench v our fitness/last 3rd

[B91212]

Jiffy is so much more eloquent when he speaks in Welsh.

The NZ commentators have been pretty good during the first half - funny how when England were playing yesterday they were winding me up a bit but now I'm more of a neutral (with red bias) I'm finding them pretty professional and fair.

[Guest]

Jiffy's just doing the analysis to be fair.

Ha and that's the weird thing about commentators isn't it? so often it's just down to waht match is actually being played which decides how we're going to react to them!

[Gatts]

I wonder if we will do another impression of welsh lambs to slaughter at the beginning of this half

[TheGreyGhost]

Apart from being behind by more than 3 and looking unable to score a try against a massively accurate opposition in terms of defence and goal kicking you mean?

[Cari]

Awh Toby, bring back the afro! He looks a shadow of his former self without it.

[mckay1402]

Expect a bokke onslaught in the second half.

[Cari]

Strong start by the Saffas

[eirebilly]

The last 20mins will be crucial for Wales, if they are in touching distance of SA then i can see a very open game which will suit Wales more.

[Guest]

lovely kick to touch there

[Gatts]

Awh Toby, bring back the afro! He looks a shadow of his former self without it.

he has bum fluff....omg...ANDY!!!!!

[HammerofThunor]

How many times does Warburton get away with not releasing as supporting tackler? Over and over again he does.

[Guest]

ah we needed quick ball ther, too slow now.

[rugbywhales]

Flip!

[Shifty]

God Wales will be having nightmares about Steyn tonight, I had no idea his punting was so good.

[Guest]

mand and ball pass, ouch!

[Gatts]

Warbs, Lions Capt

[Guest]

bugger we're turning the ball over too easily

[B91212]

Matfield gone. Does that mean Smit will have to stay on for the full 80 and BDP won't get on? Big plus for Wales if that is the case

[valjester]

Not good for south africa defensive captain and pack leader both off injured.

[EnglishReign]

I don't rate that lad Falateau(?), spilled the ball in a good position.

[eirebilly]

Tell what you really think rugbywhales

[Cari]

No need for that Whales. Mods can you do the honors please?

[Gatts]

NOW WALES NOW!!!!!!!!

[Guest]

he's still developing as a player English, a lot of our Welsh lads are. As bad as it sounds, these mistakes are to be expected I guess.

[GunsGerms]

Will burger get penalized for leading into tackles with his shoulder?

No. You are allowed do it.

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