Wales appreciation Thread from a Englishman

[beshocked]

First topic message reminder :

To cut through all the animousity I thought it would be nice to talk about only positive things about Wales. Which players you like in Wales and the positives about Wales. Talk about Wales in a calm and productive manner.


I will start it off:

George North - quality player, I think we are fortunate to have him in the Aviva Premiership.

The Welsh national side - good team - lots of quality players and passionate fanbase.

Thoughts?

[Guest]

Valley commandos

Ex RAF by any chance lost?

Me no. Career academic until I finally escaped. Its just any time I had cause to be travelling through Swansea late at night (or on late trains in that area) you did get to see some scary sights. Its a complete mystery as to why womens rugby in Wales isnt stronger.

If only a team full of Props could be successful.

[lostinwales]

Valley commandos, from what I can gather, was the names given to the idiots from around the valleys who used to like to pump themselves up with steroids, and then put on a small t-shirts so that their arms and chest were bulging out of them, and they were covered in fake tan, the most common type, were the ones to be found in Merthyr who would also love wearing the pink Cardiff Blues top, they would frequently go down to the big city prowling their Savannah for their pray.

Yeah I dont know about the steroids but the rest of the description seems to suggest we are talking about the same thing

[LordDowlais]

Anyway, back to the thread of praising Wales, we are the most lucky country in the whole of Britain, we have beautiful beaches, amazing, beautiful and rugged rural countrysides, a very proud history, and one of the oldest languages in the world, also we are the only country to keep hold of our Celtic language, we have a lot to offer here in Wales, and I would urge people from the rest of Britain to come here and sample it, after all, you'll get a welcome in the hillsides.

[Welly]

I like Owen Williams does that count?

[LordDowlais]

I like Owen Williams does that count?

Yes, that'll do my boyo.

[bedfordwelsh]

Valley commandos

Ex RAF by any chance lost?

Me no. Career academic until I finally escaped. Its just any time I had cause to be travelling through Swansea late at night (or on late trains in that area) you did get to see some scary sights. Its a complete mystery as to why womens rugby in Wales isnt stronger.

If only a team full of Props could be successful.

For any Ex RAF of a certain trade and certain era the Valley Commandos bring back a whole different image.

At St Athan during the 70s, 80s and early 90s there were buses sent out to Penarth and Barry then Bridgend, Maeasteg area to collect women and bring them onto camp for the weekly Bop (disco).

You took your life in your own hands if you were ever 'lucky' enough to warrant the attention of some of these ummm ladies.

[The Saint]

Anyway, back to the thread of praising Wales, we are the most lucky country in the whole of Britain

Yeah we were really lucky to get those grand slams and back-to-back tournaments and supply the bulk of the Lions squad/team in 3rd test if this forum is anything to go by. Let's shed a tear for England rugby, the ones who unofficially won the 6 Nations in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

[beshocked]

the saint this thread is not for belittling other teams - keep positive please.

Gatland and Edwards did do a good job masterminding grandslams for Wales -they aren't Welsh though.

[The Saint]

 they aren't Welsh though.

Neither are you, but you wish you could be .

[LordDowlais]

Anyway, back to the thread of praising Wales, we are the most lucky country in the whole of Britain

Yeah we were really lucky to get those grand slams and back-to-back tournaments and supply the bulk of the Lions squad/team in 3rd test if this forum is anything to go by. Let's shed a tear for England rugby, the ones who unofficially won the 6 Nations in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Why have you cherry picked a sentence out of a whole paragraph I have written to make it look like I am calling MY OWN national rugby team lucky ? I was actually trying to make out how lucky we are to have such a beautiful country, why do you have to be like this ?

[The Saint]

I didn't though LD, it wasn't aimed at you, the cherry picked sentence suited my argument .

[beshocked]

I wouldn't call the grandslams by Wales lucky. Agree lorddowlais.

Built on good defence. Wales have been very strong in the 6 nations since Gatland took charge. Have to admire that.

Desperate Dan look a like Jamie Roberts is a good hard running centre. I like his directness.

[gregortree]

Talking of picking Cherries, As a Glaws member I appreciate Hook & Hibbard.

[SecretFly]

So what does the WC pool look like now with the arrival of the meanest Bastereaud in world rugby Union, Michael Cheika?

Hmmm............. revisions needed all round it seems. This guy won't leave a stone unturned. Australia potentially off their arses and back wanting to drink blood.

[fa0019]

So what does the WC pool look like now with the arrival of the meanest Bastereaud in world rugby Union, Michael Cheika?

Hmmm.............  revisions needed all round it seems.  This guy won't leave a stone unturned.  Australia potentially off their arses and back wanting to drink blood.

Nor sure even Cheika can turn AUS into a legitimate winning team upfront though. McKenzie this year played SA twice, won 1 lost. Played NZ 3 times, lost one, drew one and lost another (albeit by the smallest upon smallest of margins).

What can he do to beef up the pack... still their kryptonite. Skelton is one but he is a 50 min man at most at the moment... he needs to lose 10kgs first. England will just squeeze them as per usual. Doesn't matter how much talent you have in the backs if you're 2 steps back every move.

They lack a tighthead, a genuine one.

[Biltong]

There are certain factors that cannot be ignored.

Australia regardless of their situation at the time is always a contender at Rugby World Cup.

You have to consider their possible backline as one of the most dangerous.

9. Genia
10. Cooper/Foley
11. Tomane/AAC/O'Connor
12. Leali'ifano
13. Kurindrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Israel Folau.

That is a big midfield and back three. No matter how you slice it, Kurindrani, Speight and Folau are three of the strongest ball carriers you can find, they are in the class of Savea when it comes to ability to break through tackles.

Whether they select Foley or Cooper at 10, both are playmakers, if O'Connor comes back into the squad his individual skills are very dangerous.

The question always surround their pack.
Slipper is quality, you would expect Moore to be back and he is in my view one of the top hookers around. Kepu most likely the tight head, not the greatest.

Their second row might not be the most physical but it depends on the combination of Carter/Horwill/Jones/Simmons and what Cheika believes will be best.

Their back row might have Pocock back, if not, Fardy or Hodgson will do fine, Hooper plays unconventionally which could work either for them or against them, and at number eight Palu or McCalman might come in.

You need to look at how they managed the scrums against Argentina, they managed to subdue the Argentine scrum with various tactics and got away with it, expect that to be the case in the RWC, to dominate them at scrum time is not all about being stronger, but being smarter as well.

They play a ball in hand approach which needs a little bit of tweaking as far as decision making s concerned when it comes to being more astute to use tactical kicking to their advantage.

But underestimate them at your own peril, Australia in my view are going to be a solid contender in the RWC, and I for one will not be surprised if they win their group.

[Mr Bounce]

Players I like: Tipuric, Warburton, Hibbard, JD2 & North. The link play Tipuric gave to Cuthbert during the 30-3 annihilation in Cardiff was superb. There are others I don't rate as highly, but I won't bother mentioning them as this is all about positivity.

[Cowshot]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: NEVER write off the Aussies. They are never dead in any sport until you've concreted down the coffin and driven a stake through it to be on the safe side.

Re Wales appreciation: I started watching Rugby with the family in the '70s when the great Welsh sides of that time were running rings round us. Packs like rock and the dazzlers behind. Since then Shane Williams has been one of my personal favourite players of all time. Just fun to watch.

...and I have walked in the Welsh mountains over many years. Good memories.

[SecretFly]

Wales Appreciation:  Gavin Esler -  BBC newscaster and a guy I've always liked personality-wise.

I'm including him because I've just learned today that he's Scottish!

I always for some reason throught he was Welsh. So I appreciated him as a Welshman for some years now and therefore he qualifies.

[gregortree]

In that case... John Humphries !

[jimmyinthewell68]

I been told by many many traveling rugby fans they love Cardiff because the pubs and true rugby fans are a stone throw from the stadium

[Cyril]

I been told by many many traveling rugby  fans  they love Cardiff because the pubs and true rugby fans are a stone throw from the stadium

I heard that too. To avoid disappointment I advise bringing your own stones...

I lived in Cardiff for 10 years (Roath and Pen y Lan).

[lostinwales]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

[LordDowlais]

I've been to many venues for a rugby match, and nothing, and I mean nothing beats Cardiff on international day.

[LordDowlais]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

[fa0019]

I been told by many many traveling rugby  fans  they love Cardiff because the pubs and true rugby fans are a stone throw from the stadium

I thought its because they can leave as soon as the match is over???

[The Saint]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

[TobyBryant]

Shortly after the 1995 RWC Wales played a test at Ellispark, there was a middle aged Welsh couple just behind us in the stands, and we started chatting to them.

Although Wales were soundly beaten the Welsh couple were very friendly and complimentary of the Springboks, Bennet managed to score a try and they celebrated like crazy.

They were a very nice couple, a mate of mine and I took them for dinner the next week, our tradition was to be the first in and the last to leave, the couple agreed to our rules and we had a very pleasant but late evening out.

First in and last to leave? Now where I come from that sounds like you were out to take advantage of his wife!

I'm sure it's lost in translation and you didn't mean it.

Wales has a great reputation here in Chicago. We call them the "polite English". Good luck in your quest for independence!

[Cyril]

I wish would make more of an effort with his accounts. This is just lazy.

[lostinwales]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

I am a saddo for having a different opinion. How Welsh can you get. And extra points for making threatening noises about hiding behind keyboards while hiding behind a keyboard.

I honestly moved to Wales with an open mind, and I did meet plenty of very nice Welsh people, but it is going to be a long long time before I go back.

But don't worry. Its only banter

[The Saint]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

I am a saddo for having a different opinion. How Welsh can you get. And extra points for making threatening noises about hiding behind keyboards while hiding behind a keyboard.

I honestly moved to Wales with an open mind, and I did meet plenty of very nice Welsh people, but it is going to be a long long time before I go back.

But don't worry. Its only banter

You're welcome to your opinion, I wasn't referring to that. It's the way you always speak of Welsh people, even "how welsh can you get" seems to insinuate something bad as usual. You're one of a few of these online monkeys with a keyboard though, so I guess it must be a fan club on here. I'm not threatening at all. I'm just saying I'd love to see you come out and say that to a person's face. I can tell you that behaviour wouldn't go down very well with the valley commando's .

[yappysnap]

Welsh peoples banter, and sense of irony.

[quinsforever]

welsh all male choirs
memories of growing up in penarth
the rollercoaster ride of being a welsh rugby fan (true highs and lows)
great rugby at all levels of the game
although you welsh love to beat the english at rugby, i reckon we actually all get along pretty well. much better than Scotland anyway.
you haven't torpedoed the UK with a succession of inept politicians either
the Dragon Ride sportive
the amazingly beautiful valleys

rugbywise...some greats, some liabilities
biggar
north
faletau

not going to mention the liabilities, apart from mike philips, for Saint's benefit

[rainbow-warrior]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

I am a saddo for having a different opinion. How Welsh can you get. And extra points for making threatening noises about hiding behind keyboards while hiding behind a keyboard.

I honestly moved to Wales with an open mind, and I did meet plenty of very nice Welsh people, but it is going to be a long long time before I go back.

But don't worry. Its only banter

Don't bother, you won't be missed of that you can be assured.

[Guest]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

I am a saddo for having a different opinion. How Welsh can you get. And extra points for making threatening noises about hiding behind keyboards while hiding behind a keyboard.

I honestly moved to Wales with an open mind, and I did meet plenty of very nice Welsh people, but it is going to be a long long time before I go back.

But don't worry. Its only banter

Don't bother, you won't be missed of that you can be assured.

Oh, the irony

[LordDowlais]

Best espresso I have ever had was in a small cafe (plan) in Cardiff. Fantastic beaches around the Gower. Some great scenery full stop - seeing red kites in the Brecons is something I hope I will remember for a long time and the rocks around the beaches in Mumbles were great for the kids.

There are a few more positives, but the 'other' list is unfortunately a great deal longer.

You realy have a strong dislike for Wales don't you.

The guy is a saddo with a lot of resentment for Wales, it's obvious from a lot of his posts. I'd love to see the guy stop hiding behind his keyboard and say it to someone's face. It'll never happen though, says a lot more about his character than the land he hates, I guess.

I am a saddo for having a different opinion. How Welsh can you get. And extra points for making threatening noises about hiding behind keyboards while hiding behind a keyboard.

I honestly moved to Wales with an open mind, and I did meet plenty of very nice Welsh people, but it is going to be a long long time before I go back.

But don't worry. Its only banter

Why, what is your issues ? Also, if you hate us/Wales so much why are you going to come back ?

[TobyBryant]

Life is so much simpler than some people make it out. All you got to do is figure out what makes you happy and try to do that.

I don't get people who keep living in a way that makes them unhappy and then bitching about it like helpless little girls.

[TightHEAD]

I love Welsh cakes.

[Biltong]

I would have thought as a tighthead, you would love any cake

[LordDowlais]

I would have thought as a tighthead, you would love any cake

Especially your wife's cakes.

[Biltong]

I would have thought as a tighthead, you would love any cake

Especially your wife's cakes.

Now you're talking about pudding

[LordDowlais]

I would have thought as a tighthead, you would love any cake

Especially your wife's cakes.

Now you're talking about pudding

Who was the cricketer when playing the Aussies was getting sldged for being so fat, and he said, it's not his fault, evertime he sleeps with his wife she gives him a cake ?

[Biltong]

It was a Zimbabwean player who Glen Mcgrath told he was getting fat, can't remember the Zim player's name though

[PenfroPete]

Glen McGrath: “Why are you so fat?”

Eddo Brandes “Because every time I **** your wife, she gives me a biscuit.”

[TightHEAD]

I would have thought as a tighthead, you would love any cake

Anyone ever heard of a Prop that doesn't!

[TightHEAD]

Glen McGrath: “Why are you so fat?”

Eddo Brandes  “Because every time I **** your wife, she gives me a biscuit.”

McGrath talked about that one on TMS, I seem to recall that the Aussie didn't sledge him (much) after that comeback as a sign of respect.

[jimmyinthewell68]

Adam Jones couldn't have his cake and eat it

[WELL-PAST-IT]

George North, not only is he an honouree Englishman playing for the best club in Britain:whistle:

He was born here as well. Oh well, no accounting for taste.

[Rugby Fan]

I loved watching Welsh rugby in the seventies. At one time, Bobby Windsor was probably my favourite player.

I still wanted England to beat Wales but it didn't feel so bad to lose to them back then. When they started going off the boil, I didn't connect as closely, partly because Wales started bleeding players to league at an alarming rate.

The 1989 Lions tour was a bit of a turning point for my attitude to the Welsh team. Jiffy had gone to league just a few months before. The Lions pack was still going to rely on Bob Norster, but McGeechan dropped him for the last two Tests and that seemed to signal a changing of the guard.

Wales could still give England the hurry-up but our main rivalry seemed to switch to Scotland. It was Calder who had captained the Lions, coached by McGeechan & Telfer. Scotland won the famous 1990 Grand Slam decider, and we met in the 1991 World Cup semi final. Hastings led the 1993 Lions, which controversially included a number of Scottish forwards who performed below par.

Wales seemed a bit of an afterthought at times during these years. By and large, England had their number. Certainly, we slipped up in 1993, which went some way to costing Carling his chance to lead the Lions to NZ, and famously again in 1999, when Dallaglio forgot to make the game safe.

I could see there were still good players in Wales - you couldn't ignore the likes of Scott Quinnell, Ieuan Evans and Scott Gibbs - but I probably didn't give people like, say, Dafydd James enough respect.

I'm afraid I continued not to have much time for Wales for some years, to the extent that I wasn't even that impressed by the Graham Henry era. I realize this doesn't paint me in a great light, but I still wanted Northern rugby to triumph over the South and Wales just weren't in that game.

The player who made me sit up and take notice again was Gavin Henson. I must have seen him in a club match just before or just after he was named junior player of the year and I can't recall being so impressed by a performance, certainly not by an Englishman. I really don't remember the match, or even the year it took place, but I remember thinking how much of a handful Wales would be with him in the team.

Mind you, I was still some way of taking Wales seriously, and it probably wasn't until the 2003 World Cup pool match against NZ, and quarter final match against England, that the national team came back on my radar. England had played some scintillating attacking rugby in 2001 but the Welsh showed a spontaneity and continuity in those two matches which England teams just don't have.

I was surprised how quickly England lost their way after the World Cup but it didn't surprise me that Wales began to look good again.

Still, it took until the Lions tour of South Africa before I realized just how good Wales had become. Jamie Roberts, Adam Jones, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins and Lee Byrne were a revelation. I know we lost that series but it was fantastic to watch.

My only regret is that Wales didn't kick on from that to hand the Southern sides some regular losses (and that Henson didn't realize his full potential).

The edge that Wales can have over my team, England, is to convince us that they have smarter, more natural rugby players. That's an important psychological edge to establish because it can knock us out of our rhythm, and sow seeds of doubt.

Gatland is something of a double-edged sword in that respect. He's helped Wales to a number of significant victories but teams facing Wales these days don't think about the individual player threats. they now just think about countering Gatlandball. Wales are easier to handle when you think of them as an abstract pattern of play rather than a team of great talents.

[Knackeredknees]

Well if your Ex RAF of a certain trade and a certain era Valley Commandos take on a whole new meaning.

At RAF St Athan in the 70s, 80s and early 90s they were the names given to the females that were bused onto camp for Bop (Disco) night on a Wednesday.

Buses would go out Barry and Penarth way and then out Bridgend, Measteg way and bring women onto camp.

Some of the stories told and witnessed would make your hair curl and you took your life in your own hands if you were ever 'lucky' enough to get picked up by one

Oh they were the days lol

Yes indeed 4S of TT in 94, many a good night spent in the company of these lovely "ladies"

Witnessed some things even Steven king would balk at writing.....as well as going back on the bus one night and waking up in llantrisant 30 min before parade. However did win £70 in the pull the pig competition

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