Post MATCH discussion THREAD - Wales vs France

[maestegmafia]

First topic message reminder :

Well played France a deserved winner... great effort by Wales but silly mistakes cost us a better result...

Good luck to Australia and New Zealand tomorrow

[Guest]

ah but JD, that wasn't the last time we played each other.

[RubyGuby]

13 August 2011 17:07 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version By Gareth Roberts

Wales 19-9 England

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

Wales (6) 19Try: Hook Con: Hook Pens: Priestland 2, Hook 2
England (6) 9Pens: Flood 3

[JDandfries]

ah but JD, that wasn't the last time we played each other.

I never said it was??

[RubyGuby]

That made me laugh JD nice one

[JDandfries]

Glad i brought a smile to your face!

In honesty, I think Wales have been great and I love seeing the game played the way they do. Makes achange from the tepid rubbish Scotland serve up and the sheer boredom suffered watching England.

however, I have just a sneaking suspicion France would win the tournement from teh start (although I said against SA in teh final) and I will stand by it!

But here is looking forward to a good game, and the winner being the overall winner!! (please not Wales )

[maestegmafia]

JD are you on the Orkneys or something of course I'm blxxdy sure. We let England have 90% posession to sharpen their try scoring skills but they seemed to struggle so we just put them to sleep after that.

We also mullered Argentina as well.

You are really sure?

August 2011 - England 23 - 19 Wales? Or does that not count for some reason?

jd you are referring to the game we should have won on the 4th of August, the week before the last game against England. Argentina were the week after. Scores and dates below.


Wales28 v 13 Argentina 20th Aug 2011

Wales19 v 9England 13th Aug 2011

[JDandfries]

JD are you on the Orkneys or something of course I'm blxxdy sure. We let England have 90% posession to sharpen their try scoring skills but they seemed to struggle so we just put them to sleep after that.

We also mullered Argentina as well.

You are really sure?

August 2011 - England 23 - 19 Wales? Or does that not count for some reason?

Wales28 v 13 Argentina 20th Aug 2011

Wales19 v 9England 13th Aug 2011

What is your point???

[Luckless Pedestrian]

JD, I remember going to the barbers a week before the World Cup kicked off and wondering as I passed the bookies next door whether I should put a tenner on France winning the cup. I didn't necessarily think they would, but I knew I'd get decent odds and I knew I'd be really chuffed for them if they won. I didn't place that bet, but I'll still be over the moon if they win the World Cup, even though it'll mean they've beaten us on the way!

[bedfordwelsh]

and vice versa, how about England??? didnt they beat wales a few weeks ago??

Erm No Wales won the last match between these two teams FACT

[maestegmafia]

have you come up with a better reason than the press??

Yeah - How about Tonga

and vice versa, how about England??? didnt they beat wales a few weeks ago??

I presume you are trying to bring england into this as some kind of form guide. France just played them we did too prior to the RWC...?

Yes they beat Wales a few months ago. We beat them since, then Argentina who they really struggled against.

Wales results and performances are there for all to see, look at the stats for every facet of play we are inthe top teams at this RWC. We have lost once in seven games and by only one point and to the thenworld champions.

What is promising is that our performances have improved game by game, so have our stats and has the players confidence.


You might start to notice that being reflected in the welsh fans...!


This is all wonderful for Wales, not just for welsh rugby but for the population. Everyone is happier, everyone is excited, no one expects us to win the RWC, the team have already exceeded our expectations. But everyone, rightly so, knows that it is not far off, it is possible.

On top ofthat I imagine many welsh rugby fans will be pleases to see results that are un-arguable for thosewho said "Wales can never win a worldcup", or "Wales will never get to a final"...!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I imagine many welsh rugby fans will be pleases to see results that are un-arguable for thosewho said "Wales can never win a worldcup", or "Wales will never get to a final"...!

Well both those statements may yet be true.

[JDandfries]

have you come up with a better reason than the press??

Yeah - How about Tonga

and vice versa, how about England??? didnt they beat wales a few weeks ago??

I presume you are trying to bring england into this as some kind of form guide. France just played them we did too prior to the RWC...?

Yes they beat Wales a few months ago. We beat them since, then Argentina who they really struggled against.

Wales results and performances are there for all to see, look at the stats for every facet of play we are inthe top teams at this RWC. We have lost once in seven games and by only one point and to the thenworld champions.

What is promising is that our performances have improved game by game, so have our stats and has the players confidence.


You might start to notice that being reflected in the welsh fans...!


This is all wonderful for Wales, not just for welsh rugby but for the population. Everyone is happier, everyone is excited, no one expects us to win the RWC, the team have already exceeded our expectations. But everyone, rightly so, knows that it is not far off, it is possible.

On top ofthat I imagine many welsh rugby fans will be pleases to see results that are un-arguable for thosewho said "Wales can never win a worldcup", or "Wales will never get to a final"...!

Well I wouldnt normally have brought England into it, but someone gave a reason Wales would win as 'Tonga' which i thought was irrelevant, so I mentioned England!

[The Gramlin]

Wales certainly can win this weekend. I'm just concerned that the Wales - France semi final will take so much out of players that they are goosed for the final. At least there is an extra days rest......

[maestegmafia]

have you come up with a better reason than the press??

Yeah - How about Tonga

and vice versa, how about England??? didnt they beat wales a few weeks ago??

I presume you are trying to bring england into this as some kind of form guide. France just played them we did too prior to the RWC...?

Yes they beat Wales a few months ago. We beat them since, then Argentina who they really struggled against.

Wales results and performances are there for all to see, look at the stats for every facet of play we are inthe top teams at this RWC. We have lost once in seven games and by only one point and to the thenworld champions.

What is promising is that our performances have improved game by game, so have our stats and has the players confidence.


You might start to notice that being reflected in the welsh fans...!


This is all wonderful for Wales, not just for welsh rugby but for the population. Everyone is happier, everyone is excited, no one expects us to win the RWC, the team have already exceeded our expectations. But everyone, rightly so, knows that it is not far off, it is possible.

On top ofthat I imagine many welsh rugby fans will be pleases to see results that are un-arguable for thosewho said "Wales can never win a worldcup", or "Wales will never get to a final"...!

Well I wouldnt normally have brought England into it, but someone gave a reason Wales would win as 'Tonga' which i thought was irrelevant, so I mentioned England!

I understand why the previous poster mentioned Tonga, because France were expected to beat them, but didn't, in fact France were soundly beaten. It is an example of Frances weakness and likelihood to make unexplainable mistakes.

Where as you mentioning a result against England from early August seems to reinforce the opposite to what you seem to be attempting to convey. I see Wales narrow defeat at twickenham as more of a catalyst for what this team realised they could achieve rather than a point of negativity.

Likewise the loss to SA by one point in the opening match is more inspiring to the team than detrimental. That result combined with the hard fought win over Samoa along with those initial warm up game performances are very likely to be the reason Wales have progressed to the semis playing with such confidence, displaying such ability.

[maestegmafia]

Starting to look more unlikely that Rhys Priestland is available...! James Hook waits in the wings to be announced in the team tomorrow morning. it is believed that Priestland will not be risked if he is not fit.

[Cymroglan]

If we had no cover then I would be worried,, If this team was being selected a few weeks back Priestland would have been 3rd choice by most posters

[maestegmafia]

If we had no cover then I would be worried,, If this team was being selected a few weeks back Priestland would have been 3rd choice by most posters

If this team had been selected back in August maybe, but he has proved himself wonderfully.

He showed great signs last season and fully deserved his inclusion in the Six Nations squad, his first cap vs Scotland and his first start against England at twickenham.

We are lucky that we have experience as an alternative in Jones Hook and Stephen Jones.

[Gatts]

France will win, end of arguement!

Ha ha...it must kill that element of english fans who whine about being disliked and got their butts kicked last week by the french that now they to back les bleus in order to satiate their anti welshness......do you intend to elaborate and offer any coherent and cogent theory why France will win or is your hit and run indicative of the impotence of your 'arguement (sic)'

Well, to start with, I am Scottish, so it would be appreciated if you could take back your wild assumption (the one about me being and England Fan) as a start off.

I thought since you were basing your 'opinion' that Wales would win, on the worlds press and the bookies, then no reasoning was needed.

However just to humour you for a second.

IN MY OPINION (sorry if that isnt allowed) France have better players, they have history (the last 15 years anyway) on their side and they beat you comprehensively last time out. I also feel the enormity of the situation may get the better, of what is in truth, a very young Welsh team - and add to that, the fact France always play well once, and they havent yet, I feel the end result could be as comprehensive as it was in March!

My opinion though !!

PS - you will also note that I picked France to win the RWC from the start.

Now.... have you come up with a better reason than the press??

Scottish rugby fan...isn't that an oxymoron? I mean what's the point?

Nowt to do with the press, everything to do with the way we are playing, as a Scot you really should take note!

[brennomac]

Thankfully this has been a good betting RWC for me - but most of my winnings from Messrs Paddy Power has not been on actual match results (apart from ireland-Oz where my money was placed more in patriotic hope than expectation) but on things like first try scorer etc. Won on BOD scoring first try v Italy and a very nice bet on Earls and Shane being the first try scorers for Ireland and Wales last w/e.

Even with the spreads the bookies offer on matches, the odds are usually still crap and in the case of a match like Wales and France next w/e you're not going to make any decent money on a winning bet unless you bet loads. A combo bet of Shane/Clerc, North/Medard etc will give you some decent odds and even single bets on first try scorer overall or first try scorer either team will give a lot better odds than betting straight on the match result.

For what it's worth, hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling the French will front up again on Sas and pip Wales by 5-10 pts. My money will be on that margin with a second bet on Clerc to score first try

[Guest]

Gatts mate, no offence like but you're coming across as a WUM.

[Shifty]

Wales certainly can win this weekend. I'm just concerned that the Wales - France semi final will take so much out of players that they are goosed for the final. At least there is an extra days rest......

I cant see New Zealand or Australia fairing any better to be honest and both those teams have lost far more players than Wales.

[maestegmafia]

Wales certainly can win this weekend. I'm just concerned that the Wales - France semi final will take so much out of players that they are goosed for the final. At least there is an extra days rest......

I cant see New Zealand or Australia fairing any better to be honest and both those teams have lost far more players than Wales.

Thats true... Wales are missing a number though. Huw Bennet is our third choice hooker. usually chastised from pillor to post, now the man of the moment. Matt Rees might struggle to get his shirt back...

[Higher_Ground]

Biltong does tend to side against Wales. He predicted that Ireland would beat us as well, for some reason. That game was about as 50/50 (before kickoff) as I have ever had the pleasure of looking forward to.
France did just enough against a frankly dire England(no offense England), and that means they 'should have enough' to beat Wales. Losing two pool games for my money means they don't even deserve to be in the knockout stages.

There's every chance France could win this game, but it's because there is very little between any of the 6n sides, and nothing to do with inner belief about beating SH sides!?!?!?

France should bring their A game on Saturday, they will need it.

[maestegmafia]

From the Western Mail website here is the worlds press opinions on the big game...


Wales have stunned the rugby playing world with the dynamic rugby they have shown so far in the Rugby World Cup. But with a semi-final three days away, do the pundits think they can go all the way? This is what they are saying

"The final four in the Rugby World Cup go head to head this weekend with two semi-finals that really have everything. You could make a good case out for any combination of winners. But I predicted before the tournament began that it would end up being New Zealand v France and I am sticking to my guns. Wales really have been a revelation in this World Cup.


"They have flair and real pace and if the game on Saturday is open, they have the ability to win it. My fear is that France won't let them play. The key will be getting enough quick ball to feed the runners and that's where France's pack come in.

"Imanol Harinordoquy [pictured] had an outstanding game against England and he will again be a key figure for the French. If their forwards can dominate possession, Wales will be starved of enough ball to punish them. I think Wales may be the only side who can beat New Zealand but I just think France may be too canny on the day."


Simon Cambers, ESPN


"One Wales player no defence has yet managed to combat is the 17st centre Jamie Roberts [pictured], who has won collision after collision in the past six weeks and who ran into Donncha O'Callaghan so hard in the opening minute of last weekend's quarter-final that the Ireland second-row found himself on the ground shaking his head."

Paul Rees, The Guardian

"It has become apparent that this is not a World Cup about No 10s. None of the four semi-finalists have an in form, world class operator at No 10 and yet one of them is going to win the World Cup. That's because this tournament is being determined by halfbacks and opensides - they are the new rock stars of the game. Dimitri Yachvili was superb against England.


"Mike Phillips [pictured] is in the form of his life; so strong and agile and quick into his running. Will Genia is freakishly good. And there was Piri Weepu. He has come of age in this tournament, his performance against Argentina the best of his All Black career."

Gregor Paul, New Zealand Herald

"The Welsh have finally realised they are in the semi-finals of the World Cup and that the relative calm since their arrival in New Zealand is over. Their press conferences have many representatives of the British media that now have no English scandal to write about.


"Asked about the mood of the team, Shaun Edwards [pictured] assured us that nothing has changed: 'The guys are united and confident with their work. We always said we should move from game to game and that's what we did. There is only one secret: hard work.' And to put these words into action, the Welsh will rest on Wednesday."

Christian Jaurena, L'Equipe

"While the Welsh rugby squad hunkers down in New Zealand ahead of Saturday's World Cup semi-final with France, a frenzy is taking hold more than 10,000 miles away back home.

"Perhaps the world's most passionate rugby nation, the largely mountainous principality of some three million people has become transfixed by the heroics of its team.


"Bright and early on Saturday morning some 45,000 will head to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to watch the match on big screens.

"Cocooned as they are, news of the developing hysteria has reached the Welsh players in their camp.

"The gates open at 6.30am, with the beer to begin flowing 90 minutes later."

Ossian Shine, Stuff.co.nz

"It almost the quintessential success story: the former players who may not have marked the history of the All Blacks but have placed their names in the hierarchy of great coaches. Warren Gatland, 48, has played 17 times for New Zealand but never a test match. But rarely has a coach exercised such influence within the teams he led.


"For over 10 years, Warren Gatland [pictured] has left an indelible mark wherever he went, as with today's Wales. Gatland did not hesitate to put on the bench players as seemingly undroppable as Stephen Jones, James Hook and Lee Byrne. He even left the ever-present redhead, Martyn Williams, at home to launch those young players who have broken out during the World Cup: Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau, Rhys Priestland, Leigh Halfpenny and George North.

"When many would have continued conservative methods with experienced players, Warren Gatland is a coach who seeks and finds. A man passionate about rugby and play, of uncompromising values ​​and physical preparation. A man of adventure. I still remember an evening where we had 20 minutes for an interview. Three hours and a lot of beer bottles later, Gatland was still there, talking forever about rugby, the game, the men."

Julien Schramm, Le Monde

"Many eyes will be on Aurelien Rougerie at the start of the weekend's first semi-final, awaiting his seemingly inevitable clash with Jamie Roberts, Wales' No12. Here are two 6ft 4in, 100kg-plus centres, each with the potential to bash holes in the opposing defence, or at least to attract the attention of so many defenders that gaps appear for others to exploit.


"While Rougerie only discovered a semblance of his usual form in time for last Saturday's quarter-final against England, Roberts has been creating havoc from the start of the tournament.

"For two teams who have reached the penultimate state of the tournament, there could hardly have been a more striking contrast between their fortunes over the past month. Where France's morale hit rock bottom with two defeats in their pool matches, leading observers to compare their general lack of togetherness to the meltdown of their football-playing equivalents in South Africa a year ago, Wales arrived in a mood of quiet confidence, extracted succour rather than discouragement from a narrow defeat in their opening match against South Africa, and have won praise for their composure and an esprit de corps which appears to have its origins in the maturity of their younger players."

Richard Williams, The Guardian



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/10/12/rugby-world-cup-what-the-world-s-press-is-saying-about-wales-and-france-91466-29584014/#ixzz1abzJT8Jq

[Biltong]

Higherground, I am not siding against Wales.

I thought Ireland would beat Wales because Ireland has won more than 70% of their last 10 or so matches against Wales.

For the same reason I am of the opinion France will win.

At least give me credit for admitting when I am wrong.

[maestegmafia]

Higherground, I am not siding against Wales.

I thought Ireland would beat Wales because Ireland has won more than 70% of their last 10 or so matches against Wales.

For the same reason I am of the opinion France will win.

At least give me credit for admitting when I am wrong.

Hopefully two weeks in a row...!

Maybe you should watch the rugby rather than reciting stats...!

[Gatts]

Based on that sort of assessment we wouldn't be in a semi final of the RWC. wouldn't have beaten Fiji, wouldn't have beaten Samoa, wouldn't have pushed SA to a point wouldn't have beaten Ireland and won't beat France...I'll settle for those odds
Biltong is Mr Statto excpet when he isn't being psychic

[Biltong]

Maesteg, i get the distinct impression that you are higly disappointed in me because I am not saying Wales will win.

Let me ask you this.

How does a neutral person look at teams he doesn't know a lot about.

This is how I look at it.

Firstly there are no French posters here, so they provide no information about their team.

So I can only read what the welsh guys have to say, and to be honest, they are pretty biased and react quickly when their team is criticised. So how much value can I get as a neutral observer from biased supporters?

So all that is left is to look at recent stats and then also to see which team has had dominance over another.

I can read reports and news online, but once again, the NZ press is so anti certain teams that once again their opinion doesn't carry too much weight.

Ultimately I have to decide for myself between all the biased info and the statistics what I think is going to happen.

Why then do you have such a problem with my opinion?

Just a note, the night before we played australia, I said on here that I have a very bad feeling that we are going to lose, now if I was anti anything I would have not said that.

So no, I am not anti welsh, and no if I do not know all the players and can only get one side's opinions, then I will not stop using statistics as a guideline.

If I am wrong, then fine.

Naas Botha once said. " don't go against history, as most of the time it wil prove to be correct."

[TycroesOsprey]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/10/10/wales-v-france-head-to-head-rugby-world-cup-2011-statistics-91466-29571519

There are the stats that matter biltong, Wales and France head to head stats based on world cup games.

[maestegmafia]

Look at the current stats, the ones about these two teams then. Wales and France are playing rugby right now in this tournament.

Even without stats you can just watch the way these teams are playing and form an opinion on that.

I dont accuse you of being anti welsh and i have never once said that you are not entitled to your opinions but I disagree with your reasoning because it seems pre ordained and not aware of what is happening in this RWC at the present.

[maestegmafia]

Wales v France: The statistics
WALES take on France in Auckland for a place in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday. Here, WalesOnline's Jon Doel looks at the tournament stats for both teams so far.

THIS will be the first time these two teams have met in a Rugby World Cup, and the statistics show they have taken very different paths to the last four of this year's tournament.


Powered by Tableau
"
Wales shine as France stumble

Warren Gatland's side have been arguably the standout team at this year's tournament, beating highly-rated Samoa and crushing Namibia and Fiji on their way to the quarter-final.

Wales were unlucky to lose to South Africa in the opening match of Pool D after producing a fine display, but they saved their best performance yet for the quarter-final win against Ireland.

France, meanwhile, stuttered and spluttered their way into the knockout stages, losing heavily against New Zealand before suffering a surprise defeat against Tonga.

The enigmatic French were much-improved as they beat England 19 - 12 in the quarter-final, but the stats show the difference in how these two sides have performed thus far.

Wales have scored 26 tries to France's 15, accumilating a massive points difference of 158 compared to France's meagre 35.

Welsh flair has also seen them achieve 22 clean line breaks in comparison to France's 15, with Wales running an astonishing 2,605 metres with ball in hand. Again, in comparison, France have run 1,758 metres with the ball - a difference of 847 metres.

Defence

For many, defence has been the key to Wales' success, particularly against Ireland when the Welsh side made 141 tackles to keep the Irish at bay.

French defence has been significantly weaker by comparison.

Wales have made 574 successful tackles during the tournament, with France managing 485.

But it is the tackles missed that tell an interesting story, with Wales missing just 38 compared to France's 60.

Set-piece

Perhaps significantly, there are two main areas where France have performed slighly better than Wales - lineout and scrum time.

For all their problems, the French set-piece has remained one of the best in the world game, and this could well be where they look to get the upper-hand against the young Welsh side.

The French scrum can be a thing of brutal beauty at times, and they boast a success rate of nearly 94 % on their own ball. While Wales have done pretty well in this department, their success rate is just short of 85 %.

In terms of the lineout, Wales have been much-improved from past tournaments, but the French lineout, led by Lionel Nallet, has again been one of the tournament's most proficient.

France have won nearly 86 % of their own ball, while Wales have claimed 84 %.

Take a look through the above stats yourself and see what you make of it. As the saying goes, there's only one stat that matters at the end of the day, and that is the scoreboard




Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/10/10/wales-v-france-head-to-head-rugby-world-cup-2011-statistics-91466-29571519/#ixzz1ac55uIYA

[Biltong]

TYcroes, those stats tells me that Wales did very well in the pool round and that France didn't.

This is a semi final and all bets are off. that is the difference, I know wales are playing very well, and have exceeded many peoples expectations, and I beleive that is great for Wales as a nation.

I think I will stop responding and commenting my opinion on this particular semi final, and focus on the SH one.

Then you guys can go on to debate this issue, as it seems my opinion is not welcome.

[Gatts]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRi_-ZcoypQ

What french scrum

Watch this if your Welsh and watch it if you aren't.

Guaranteed to stir the emotions

[Gatts]

TYcroes, those stats tells me that Wales did very well in the pool round and that France didn't.

This is a semi final and all bets are off. that is the difference, I know wales are playing very well, and have exceeded many peoples expectations, and I beleive that is great for Wales as a nation.

I think I will stop responding and commenting my opinion on this particular semi final, and focus on the SH one.

Then you guys can go on to debate this issue, as it seems my opinion is not welcome.

Bilotng this morning you politely called me a hypocrite well now you are doing it...one minute it is all about the stats, the next it is 'this is a semi final and all bets are off'

Which is it going to be?

And stop being so precious. I know you guys are sore but ffs no one is saying your opinion is not welcome, on the contrary.
This is not a Welsh v Biltong debate - i for one am extremely sceptical about our chances but remember that this is a big deal for us taffs and we are getting excited and why shoudlnt we.

sorry you lost.

[Biltong]

OK here goes my last piece.

This morning I said you are contradicting yourself, never called you a hypocryte.

All bets are off in regards to two teams who played in different pools. Their stats cannot be compared realisitically becuase they didn't play the same teams.

The fact of the stats still tell you that Frnace has been dominant over wales and that they have a better record at world cup knock out matches.

And of course this is a big deal for Wales, do you think for one minute I do not realise that, and just by the way, my teams loss has very little to do with this.

[TycroesOsprey]

Look Biltong your opinion is valid but your not using rugby to back it up.

You could have pointed to the two weaknesses in the welsh defensive plan which france can exploit.

Or the weakness in the Welsh line which will allow the french to attack with top of the line or rear ball cleanly won.

Theres the French ability to slow the breakdown to limit our attack and to pressurise Phillips delivery.

Theres the fact that Allain Rollands interpretation of the breakdown is one that Wales suffered under agaisnt Samoa.

What about the French ability to attack off first phase ball given a percieved dominance in the scrum.

There are clear reasons why Wales could lose espescially in the defensive plan but you didnt mention any of them just a feeling, I think thats why you got a harsh response

[Cymroglan]

http://www.rugbydata.com/wales/france

No they have not been dominant over Wales

[maestegmafia]

"Four times Les Blues have gone into vital RWC matches with an unchanged line-up on the back of a famous victory and lost. It happened in the finals of 1987 and 1999 after last-four wins over Australia and New Zealand, and at the past two World Cups where quarter-final triumphs over Ireland and the All Blacks were followed by defeats."

[Gatts]

"Four times Les Blues have gone into vital RWC matches with an unchanged line-up on the back of a famous victory and lost. It happened in the finals of 1987 and 1999 after last-four wins over Australia and New Zealand, and at the past two World Cups where quarter-final triumphs over Ireland and the All Blacks were followed by defeats."

lies damned lies and statistics!!

Okay so the way i see it is this.

Wales have a marginal all time edge

France have dominated result sin the last 10 years

Wales beat the away in 2005 and at home in 2008 to secure the Slam

France have been more successful at RWC

Wales are the form RWC side left in the comp, the bolter

France have statistically shot their bolt in a knockout game and then folded

France are in disarray in management terms

Wales are on the wagon

France just lost to Tonga

Wales just put to bed their PI demons


NO ONE CAN CALL THIS GAME ON STATS.

2 sides evenly matched.

And a French speaking ref

Wales will win

[Higher_Ground]

Of course your opinion is welcome Bilton, but you must admit, if you consistently pick one side to lose 50/50 matches then it does make it seem like a pattern emerges. Fair enough going for Ireland, there was a part if me - about 50% in fact- that felt they might beat us, but looking at the way France and Wales played on Saturday, there is no way you could claim that France were in any way favourites for this game. As I said before, they very well may beat us, but it will be simply because there is so little between the top 10 sides in the world at the minute. You also have previous 'form' for doing this on the old 606!
I know it doesn't represent a lack of knowledge on your behalf!

I'll do you a deal, IF we make it to the final and you make us underdogs against Australia or New Zealand, I won't take offense!

[maestegmafia]

James Hook will start at fly-half for Wales in Saturday's World Cup semi-final against France in Auckland.

Hook, who has played only three minutes at number 10 during the tournament, replaces the injured Rhys Priestland.

With lock Luke Charteris shaking off a shoulder problem, coach Warren Gatland has otherwise named the same starting XV that beat Ireland in the last eight.

The only other change sees record caps holder Stephen Jones taking Hook's place on the bench.

[maestegmafia]

Statistics for Wales vs France

Games played: 88 13.86%

Games won by Wales: 43 48.86%

Games lost by Wales: 42 47.73%

Games drawn: 3 3.41%

Most wins in a row for Wales over France: 15

Most losses in a row for Wales to France: 12

Largest points for Wales: 49 49 - 14

Largest points against Wales: 51 51 - 0

Largest winning margin for Wales: 42 5 - 47

Largest losing margin for Wales: 51 51 - 0

Total points for Wales: 1,297

Total points against Wales: 1,295

Average points for Wales per game: 14.74

Average points against Wales per game: 14.72

Average points difference per game between Wales and France: 0.02

[maestegmafia]

Article on Alan Phillips the Welsh Team Manager on BBC Sport

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/alastaireykyn/2011/10/new_welsh_crop_ready_to_create_own_history.html

"To give you an idea, we were coming through the airport on Monday when we left Wellington, and they were given a standing ovation. And when we arrived here in Auckland, they were given a standing ovation there too.

"My eyes were welling up. I was so proud to see people respecting this group of players. But to them – well, they were just not fazed by it at all. Maybe after a week or two of being home, they’ll think 'that was a good trip, we did some good things out there'. At the moment they’re busy enjoying it all.

“It’s very special because we’ve already earned a lot of respect. When you hear some of the greats of New Zealand rugby commenting on how well we’re playing, and what we’re like off the field, it’s very satisfying.

"I don’t even think the people of Wales fully realise the respect these boys are earning. All the southern hemisphere sides are saying how good Warburton, [Jamie] Roberts, [George] North and [Mike] Phillips are. It’s fantastic.”

[maestegmafia]

Excitement is building across Wales ahead of Wales' Rugby World Cup semi-final against France in New Zealand.

Fans keen to secure tickets to watch the match on big screens in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium queued outside on Wednesday.

Another 20,000 tickets have been made available, after 25,000 were snapped up on the first day.

Swansea will stage its own big screen event, and Welsh MPs have tabled a Commons motion backing the team.

Millennium Stadium organisers said around 40,000 tickets for Saturday's free screening event 'Wake up to Wales' in Cardiff have been taken.

The allocation for etickets has been exhausted but fans can still queue for tickets at Gate 3 at the stadium until 19:00 BST on Wednesday. There is a limit of six per person.

National anthem

Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote

The Welsh public are getting extremely excited about Saturday's big game at the Millennium Stadium”

Gerry Toms
Stadium manager
The stadium has announced that Only Men Aloud and West End actress Sophie Evans, the runner-up in BBC talent show Over the Rainbow, will sing the national anthem with fans on the day.

Rock band 4th Street Traffic, who performed for the Wales squad before they set off for New Zealand, will play after the final whistle.

Gerry Toms, the stadium's manager, said: "The Welsh public are getting extremely excited about Saturday's big game at the Millennium Stadium."

The stadium will open at 07:30 BST on Saturday and alcohol will be served from 09:00 BST.

Fans will be able to use park and ride facilities at County Hall in Cardiff Bay from 07:00 BST and normal match-day road closures will be in place in Westgate Street for the special screening.

'Magnificent'


Fans have braved the drizzle to secure their place at the event
The stadium said it was in constant discussion with Cardiff Council about arrangements.

South Wales Police officers will be on duty in the city centre to help the event run smoothly, a spokeswoman said.

In Swansea, fans will be able to catch the coverage live on a big screen in Castle Square.

Lord Mayor, Coun Ioan Richard, said the success of the national rugby and football teams has lifted the mood of Swansea and Wales.

"Friday night's 2-0 victory over Switzerland which I attended at the Liberty Stadium was magnificent enough.

'Flying proudly'
Continue reading the main story
“
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It's no stretch to say this is one of the greatest sporting weeks ever for Wales”

Coun Ioan Richards
Swansea's Lord Mayor
"But the rugby team's success over Ireland and the football team's win away in Bulgaria mean it's no stretch to say this is one of the greatest sporting weeks ever for Wales."

At Westminster, a group of MPs asked for a message, congratulating the Wales players, to be added to the Parliamentary record.

In it, they noted that the team's success so far was "achieved by its exhilarating, exemplary, professional and disciplined approach led by its outstanding captain Sam Warburton and its coaching staff led by Warren Gatland".

Meanwhile, Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan is asking the prime minister to fly the Welsh Dragon over Downing Street on Saturday, following a request from Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan.

No 10 has been known to fly the St George cross for sporting events in the past.

Mrs Gillan said the Welsh flag "would be flying proudly" above Gwydyr House - the Welsh Office headquarters in Whitehall.

She also paid tribute to the Welsh rugby team's success describing it "as one of the best adverts for Wales".

[bedfordwelsh]

Its a great idea but (and I know you cant please everyone) I though bars might have been open a bit before KO save people missing KO etc.


C'MON CYMRU

[maestegmafia]

I think they are doing their best for peoples health probably... Starting Drinking before 09:00 can't be great for your health.

I am going to be there with a bag of bacon baps and a flask of coffee I think...

[RubyGuby]

Ireland had a much better record than France against Wales before the 1/4 final - All this poppycock has no bearing at all as once again these teams have NEVER actually met. It remains a 50/50 End of thread

[bedfordwelsh]

I think they are doing their best for peoples health probably... Starting Drinking before 09:00 can't be great for your health.

I am going to be there with a bag of bacon baps and a flask of coffee I think...

mm,

Yes but its good on occasions lol, I will bring the HP Sauce for the bacon baps where you seating

[maestegmafia]

My mate has bought the tickets so I haven't seen.

Where are you. I'll be able to spare a bap or two and the butcher at the coop in blaengwynfi up the road has the best bacon in the world.

Will pre fill with HP sauce.

Always thought HP sauce was a bit like Led Zepplin, anyone who doesn't like either kind of worries me...!

[HERSH]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!
Adam Jones was seen in an all you can eat restaurant.


I wonder what Gats will say?

'Shocker, fat bloke eats food.

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