This weekend the rugby world will have one eye on the latest score in Dublin as Wales look to take another decisive step towards winning the Triple Crown and achieving their first grand-slam since 1978.
However, if history is anything to go by then Wales can certainly expect a formiddable task awaiting them at Croke Park. Guardian columnist Eddie Butler believes that even though the international set up of both sides may have altered slightly over the years, this weekend's fixture is sure to be as passionate as ever. Indeed, Ireland still harbour dreams of over-hauling Wales and lifting this years' Six Nations trophy.
It would appear, however, that not everyone is prepared to buy into the propaganda that Wales are certainties to steam-roller their way to grand-slam success. Indeed, Rugby writer Paul Ackford from the Telegraph feels Wales' dreams of achieving a memorable grand-slam by be thwarted if not by Ireland, then by the French.
This is certainly no sign of bitterness towards the Welsh, far from it. But when you analyse that Wales' three victories so far have come by comprehensively beating the two statistically weakest sides in the tournament, coupled with the fact that England effectively handed them victory in their opening match, it is not wrong to suggest that tougher challenges lie ahead.
This brings us back to this weekend's crucial fixture. Defeat for Wales would throw this years' Six Nations wide-open. However, a victory for Gatland's warriors may signal a rise to prominance of a new force in world rugby, and one which should be taken very, very seriously.
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1 comment:
C'mon Gatters! Get those Welsh under-achievers on course for the big one!
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