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Fans perplexed as Wales turn 'worst performance in Welsh rugby history' into heroic loss
Wales staged an impressive second-half fightback that transformed what seemed an inevitable humiliating defeat into a valiant loss against Scotland in the Six Nations.
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Down 27-0 just after halftime following a second Duhan van der Merwe try, all seemed lost for Warren Gatland’s Wales.
We are all Finn Russell right now 😳 #sixnations pic.twitter.com/vyjXtqMNfI
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 3, 2024
Social media was initially flooded with criticism as fans expressed their dismay over Wales’ performance, critiquing the team’s tactics, cohesion, and effort. “A thank you to Ioan Lloyd missing touch so we don’t need to live through Wales losing the lineout,” joked Squidge Rugby, encapsulating the early frustrations of Welsh fans.
Simon Thomas provided a grim analysis: “A wretched first half from Wales… Dire.” Cardiff Rugby Life added to the chorus of disapproval: “Cymru have been further hamstrung but their own lack of intensity and a shambolic attacking game plan from the coaches.”
However, the narrative suddenly shifted in the second half as Wales sprung back to life. Fans, while initially harsh, began to rally behind their team. One fan’s frustration was palpable: “What an awful first half, so frustrating. Get Gareth Davies off immediately.” Another lamented the state of the team: “This is the worst Welsh XV to have ever been put together… Abysmal.”
Critics and commentators, both Welsh and non-Welsh, weighed in on the debacle. RugbyPass writer Owain Jones observed Scotland’s ease, noting Finn Russell’s relaxed control of the game amidst Welsh errors. Graham Love poked fun at the quiet stadium atmosphere, suggesting, “They should open the roof to let some atmosphere in…” EK Rugby Analysis didn’t mince words: “No getting away from it, that was exceptionally poor half of rugby from Wales.”
RTE commentator Hugh Cahill dubbed it the ‘worst performance ever’ from Wales, a sentiment echoed by Bernard Jackman who called it the ‘Worst performance in Welsh rugby history.’
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Yet, amidst the overwhelming critique, Wales’ second-half resurgence painted a picture of a team not ready to be dismissed. This turnaround, while not enough to secure a win, salvaged some pride and hinted at a resilience that Welsh fans can cling to for future matches.
Squidge Rugby wrote: “What the **** just happened?”
What the fuck just happened
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) February 3, 2024
How can this game be any more surreal?
Ah, here's how….#WALvSCO pic.twitter.com/MvjHN7jGyQ
— James Stafford ?? (@jpstafford) February 3, 2024
Hey Siri. Show me “Game of two halves”.
Plenty to be positive about for the future of Welsh rugby. #WALvSCO pic.twitter.com/rxlx39wBxY
— Lance Bradley (@Lance_Bradley_) February 3, 2024
Whatever Wales had at half time…#WALvSCO pic.twitter.com/pytPUQ5dJ1
— Fiona Barnes (@FionaClareB) February 3, 2024
England legend Lawrence Dallaglio praised the Welsh second half:
“What a fight back by Wales this is what makes the Six Nations so special”
Owain Jones saw the introduction of Tomos Williams as critical: “Wales, abysmal in the first-half were inspired by the introduction of Tomos Williams, to stage an unlikely comeback from 27-0 down, to give Scotland a huge fright and peg it back to 27-26. Aaron Wainwright rampant. Scots banish the 22-year Cardiff hex. Just.”
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On the other side of the aisle, Graham Love summed up the feeling among Scotland fans, writing: “You wait 22 years for a win in Cardiff & then you just feel hugely deflated.”
Halftime vs Fulltime #WALvSCO pic.twitter.com/TOTA8KaLQM
— Graham Love (@glove931) February 3, 2024
Comments on RugbyPass
Fiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
31 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
31 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
31 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to comments