South Africa Wales - match thread

[Gatts]

Well my comments today about the mighty 'W' and the performances of the minnow sides have obviously caused some controversy. I wouldn't be Gats if I didn't prod the opposition occasionally, usually just before a big game.

I for one loved watching Japan's bushido approach to tackling and Romania's scrummaging, it only served to highlight the soulless nature of the professional era when contrasted against the big teams seemingly inept but effective closing out. Namibia outplaying fiji for long periods and as for Argentina they played like warrior poets and i know all about them.
It reminded me of the good old days when giants could be slain and perhaps all these teases will finally come to fruition tonight when a new Welsh breed takes on the might of Bok experience . I am a romantic at heart, Tommo's kiss was old school class, the way we used to get under the oppo skin before tmo and yellow cards. But that era is gone, Wales played on passion alone for years and that, in my view and in hindsight, was our biggest problem. Gatland, a Kiwi and therefore fundamentally unable to get the significance of rugby in Wales, comes form a place where, clearly , rugby is life. That is a beautiful thing that we are all lucky enough to share in. I pity those that never pulled on the shirt, smelt the ralgex, bled and bought your opposite number a jug.
Gatland stumbled over the transition of Wales from a team that had to play offload catch up in the last third, to a team that is within a few hours going to play a game which may define how we progress for years to come. i know they can win but history tells us they can't.

Its now or never. No more talk. Bring on the boks and may the best team win.

[Taylorman]

Yes Gatts looking forward to this one. It'll give us all a good idea where both teams are at and is the first BIG one of the tournament, just pipping the England Argie match for rankings.

Man I'm loving this tournament...

[Gatts]

It feels like the final to me....where are you?

[Biltong]

Good morning Gents, I just woke up and have not wiped the gunk out of my eyes, my lids are still heavy and my sinuses have packed up again, must be the changing season and the pollien in the air.

Happy that there are two warm up matches to watch before the main event.
It gives me some time to shake away the cobwebs and wake up properly.

[Taylorman]

Morning Biltong.. Sunday avo here in Wellington. Still hasnt rained yet and sun's just come out so looks ok for tonight still...

[Biltong]

I am really happy that this match is eventually going to kick off, hopefully the Boks are ready and can put an end too so many myths and inuendo's

[Gatts]

Morning bb...stay in bed fella, much safer!!

[TBJ9625]

told you guys, it's my birthday today and the only present i want is a welsh win!!!! and maybe some great banter on here. Good luck fellas

[majesticimperialman]

I would just like to wish Wales good luckfor today.

It is not often i say that. so good luck.

[Ozzy3213]

I for one loved watching Japan's bushido approach to tackling and Romania's scrummaging, it only served to highlight the soulless nature of the professional era when contrasted against the big teams seemingly inept but effective closing out. Namibia outplaying fiji for long periods and as for Argentina they played like warrior poets and i know all about them.
It reminded me of the good old days when giants could be slain and perhaps all these teases will finally come to fruition tonight when a new Welsh breed takes on the might of Bok experience . I am a romantic at heart, Tommo's kiss was old school class, the way we used to get under the oppo skin before tmo and yellow cards. But that era is gone, Wales played on passion alone for years and that, in my view and in hindsight, was our biggest problem. Gatland, a Kiwi and therefore fundamentally unable to get the significance of rugby in Wales, comes form a place where, clearly , rugby is life. That is a beautiful thing that we are all lucky enough to share in. I pity those that never pulled on the shirt, smelt the ralgex, bled and bought your opposite number a jug.
Gatland stumbled over the transition of Wales from a team that had to play offload catch up in the last third, to a team that is within a few hours going to play a game which may define how we progress for years to come. i know they can win but history tells us they can't.

Its now or never. No more talk. Bring on the boks and may the best team win.

Gatts

Good luck to Wales and the Boks, it's been a great start to the World Cup and hopefully this match will live up to that and may the best team win.

[Guest]

Brilliant OP Gatts.

I'm sick with nerves for this one. Just want it to start now. Ymlaen Cymru.

[Guest]

Good luck guys, this has the makings of a classic.

[Cymroglan]

I'm melting

[Cari]

Squeaky bum time...

[Cymroglan]

WD40

[Ozzy3213]

I've gone for Wales by 5 on SportGuru.

No idea why, the Boks are very strong on paper, just have a gut feeling this could be Wales day, and would love them to complete a 'home' nations clean sweep in the first round of games.

[Guest]

ah great Pete, put the pressure on us why don' you


I've gone for us by 3. I think if we have a chance of winning it will be in a v close game. I can never not back my team.

Ymlaen Cymru. Do us proud.

[Cymroglan]

If we lost today or any time Wales play I'm truly gutted and any wumming will have no effect on me I cant feel any worse that's why I dont react to it.

[Gatts]

My gussett is tingling...its in danger of spilling over

[TBJ9625]

dont think beer will be enough to get me through this game. just too excited/nervous. might have to change to the Penderyn!!!

[Taylorman]

Good luck people. Its now bucketing down so we couldnt keep the rain away.
Im going for SA by 10 but by no means can wales not get up for this.
Still yet to be an upset. Is it in this last game for the round?

[HammerofThunor]

My gussett is tingling...its in danger of spilling over

Stop touching yourself then

Good luck both sides.

[Cymroglan]

Taylorman is it windy ?

[screamingaddabs]

FFS! I'm English and the English bias of the coverage is annoying me!

[Cari]

No totty in this match though. Just saying.

[Gatts]

Er hello....Adam Jones...you would!

[Shifty]

I'd love Wales to win but I can't see it, we have played rugby since 1881 and in all that time beaten South Africa once...
We played England and Argentina in World Cup warm ups and our pack got minced.
I think South Africa will get a great start and run up a big lead, and in the second half Wales will wake up and fight back, giving the score a respectable look.
I think Wales will hold their own in the scrums but get hammered in the line outs and we will probably be cursing Huw Bennett when the day is over.

[Ozzy3213]

screamingaddabs, whilst I am in agreement about the coverage today, lets leave that one there and concentrate on the actual match rather than negativity about the punditry team.

This is the pick of the first round of games in all honesty, sop let's just enjoy it come what may.

[Guest]

Mark Jones!!!!

Ah ITV are actually giving us our own programme with a Welsh panel! Still think I might turn over to S4C...

[Ozzy3213]

I'd love Wales to win but I can't see it, we have played rugby since 1881 and in all that time beaten South Africa once...
We played England and Argentina in World Cup warm ups and our pack got minced.
I think South Africa will get a great start and run up a big lead, and in the second half Wales will wake up and fight back, giving the score a respectable look.
I think Wales will hold their own in the scrums but get hammered in the line outs and we will probably be cursing Huw Bennett when the day is over.

Good reverse psychology, like it.

Bennett to have a stormer throwing in!

[Gatts]

Stop the self doubt all Welsh fans....being rational right now is not helping and as a poster put on another thread

history tells us everything until kick off when it means s^&*

[Cari]

Since when has Frances Donovan been a sports presenter?! Jeebz, they move presenters around like musical chairs!

Dreamer - MARK JONES alert (she loves him!)

[Guest]

she used to do the Sport news for BBC Wales Cari.


And I already spotted him!

[Cari]

Half of the HTV Wales staff are down there!

[screamingaddabs]

screamingaddabs, whilst I am in agreement about the coverage today, lets leave that one there and concentrate on the actual match rather than negativity about the punditry team.

This is the pick of the first round of games in all honesty, sop let's just enjoy it come what may.

Agreed. Sorry, had to vent!

[Cymroglan]

Nice legs

[Shifty]

I Francois Pienaar such a lovely bloke.

[Gatts]

Okay can we all stop getting moist and concentrate on the odd shaped balls

[Cari]

Is Michael Owen still playing these days?

[Guest]

nah he's retired through injury Cari. Got a book out now or something.

[Ozzy3213]

Just had a tweet from Nigel Owens, he thinks Wales can do it, Will Greenwood has tweeted COME ON WALES.

Think everyone from the NH is behind the boyos this morning!

Best of luck lads and ladies!

[Glas a du]

Well done HTV - Mike, Mark and Michael.

[Guest]

aaah Will Greenwood was always one of my fave England players. Lovely bloke.

[Shifty]

aaah Will Greenwood was always one of my fave England players. Lovely bloke.

Of course he loves us, he got most of his tries against Wales

[Cari]

Pete - awh that's good to hear. Is that cause no one likes the Saffas?

Lots of travelling support down there too.

[Glas a du]

Why are there so many adverts on SC4?

[Cari]

Wow! even the Saffa fan thinks Wales will win!!

[Cymroglan]

Right off to watch the game,, see you all later.

[Shifty]

Right off to watch the game,, see you all later.

http://www.itv.com/itv1/
Keep the forum up and watch the game online

[screamingaddabs]

I'm not sure who I want to win, I think I might have to go for Wales to beat SA, but then Samoa to beat Wales, that'd be interesting!

I reckon SA by 15 though unfortunately.

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