Hard drinking to hard work

For the first time since he took charge of Wales after the 2007 World Cup debacle, Warren Gatland has had access to his players for a prolonged period. They have been together for four months and some of the methods he successfully employed at Wasps from 2002, such as physical conditioning, mental toughness, a strong squad ethic, smart tactics and a blend of power and pace on the field, have defined Wales in the tournament. And the coach has a leader in Warburton as influential as Lawrence Dallaglio was at Wasps.

Made a huge difference to our performance

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/oct/09/wales-rugby-world-cup-2011?intcmp=239

I read this a few days ago. The Welsh boys have finally decided to fully embrace professionalism

A big part of this has been how players are volunarily not drikning alcohol, it's something the womens team has been doing for a while now, and I think the improved recovery time and overall fitness showing are proving that it's working

rugbydreamer wrote:I read this a few days ago. The Welsh boys have finally decided to fully embrace professionalism

A big part of this has been how players are volunarily not drikning alcohol, it's something the womens team has been doing for a while now, and I think the improved recovery time and overall fitness showing are proving that it's working

Easy for you to say! Nah, to be fair, it does seem that the Welsh boys are taking it much more seriously these days. Good on 'em I say. Having said that, if it's a choice between Brains and no alcohol I'm on the wagon

"if it's a choice between Brains and no alcohol I'm on the wagon" .
SafeAsMilk

Now that level of honesty I can admire SAM

I remember saying Wales looked a different side after the first warm-up against England at Twickenham.

I remember fighting the "welsh mentality" corner after the SA game.

No-ones really panicked. They're heads havent dropped, and they've lived and breathed every challenge thrown at them.

I also spoke of a rumour that Phillips had an alcohol problem after splitting with Duffy (think numerous off-fields incidents and not even appearing in the teamsheet for the ospreys), and that Gatland had got to grips with him in Poland. Conveniently enough hes getting back to his best now, after the dry few months he's had.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with this squad.

Lydiate sums it up for me, waking every 2 hours to ice his ankle in the belief the rest of the boys had what it takes to get to the QFs. He did that out of full-belief in his team, I see that sort of attitude in all of them at the moment.

Comfort - if we lose to France the general consensus from SAM et al will be that it was all a flash in the pan mate. We're used to it and we know better. This side IMO has not got out of 3rd gear yet. Irrespective of the french result the average age of this team is 25 and its a great brand of rugby they're playing. You could tell early on that Ireland were unsure what sort of animal they were playing, its measured and controlled and great to watch - Keep the faith, we dont need reasurances although there are many Irish posters on here being extremel complimentary on the way this side is palying.

If you had players that performed like Cory Jane after a couple of pints and half a packet of Winfield you wouldn't think so highly of that voluntary alcohol abstinance.

TheGreyGhost wrote:If you had players that performed like Cory Jane after a couple of pints and half a packet of Winfield you wouldn't think so highly of that voluntary alcohol abstinance.

Fair point GG. Jane sure made the know-it-all sports physiologists eat their words. Imagine how well Jane could play if alcohol and cigarettes weren't impairing his recovery and lung function

TheGreyGhost wrote:If you had players that performed like Cory Jane after a couple of pints and half a packet of Winfield you wouldn't think so highly of that voluntary alcohol abstinance.

I could hear Slade shouting "Goodbye to Jane" as he flew down the wing

RubyGuby

Not everyone is going to get that one......sadly I do!!

Good stuff wales.
Theyve stood out from the rest of the NH teams in terms of their skill levels, commitment, grit, consistency and professionalism, not to mention that theyre playing some damn good in your face kick arse rugby, the type that appeals to kiwis.
Hopefully we can both get through this weekend cos thered be nothing better than a wales abs final for us.
Respect!

RubyGuby wrote:Comfort - if we lose to France the general consensus from SAM et al will be that it was all a flash in the pan mate. We're used to it and we know better. This side IMO has not got out of 3rd gear yet. Irrespective of the french result the average age of this team is 25 and its a great brand of rugby they're playing. You could tell early on that Ireland were unsure what sort of animal they were playing, its measured and controlled and great to watch - Keep the faith, we dont need reasurances although there are many Irish posters on here being extremel complimentary on the way this side is palying.

Ruby,this is not their expected time.In 4 years time it would be.They will have pressure then.Now we have no pressure.We are over-achieving and it is great.We can play no-fear Rugby and that makes us very dangerous opponents.I have not been this happy since the early 70's!!!!!!!!1

I hear 40,000 will be turning out to Millenium stadium for the match... so thats 8am Saturday morning is it?

Cooooolll...

Taylorman wrote:I hear 40,000 will be turning out to Millenium stadium for the match... so thats 8am Saturday morning is it?

Cooooolll...

Had better take a few extra bacon sandwiches and flasks of coffee, could be like Jesus trying to feed the five thousand at that time in the morning..!

Warburton's my hero. As a fellow teetotaller we're often frowned upon by some as utter bores coming to spoil the party. Just goes to show there are some social positives around not drinking. I'm not a killjoy, and I have absolutely nothing against other people drinking, but when you're a professional athlete, the heavy drinking should take a backseat until you're on leave.

doctornickolas wrote:RubyGuby

Not everyone is going to get that one......sadly I do!!

Nice to know there's another saddo on here - pretty good quote though eh Noddy would be pleased