Wales should be careful, History not on their side... Pool D(eath)

[TRF_heineken]

So I was browsing through a local news website this morning which had a whole Rugby World Cup page and as I was reading through all the stories, I found something which I didn't know, which I would like to share with you, and please correct me if I'm wrong.

Wales has to play against South Africa, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia.

but with this young and arrogant team (based on the comments made by Mr. Gatland) they should maybe just remember one thing.

Wales has never won a game vs South Africa, Samoa or Fiji during a world cup tournament.

They should be careful that history don't repeat itself.

Thought it was very interesting.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Ag, I wouldn't call backing yourself being arrogant but maybe that's just me and part of the reason why SAffa's are generally thought of as being arrogant LOL.

Interesting though. I knew they got caught out against Fiji last year and twice by Samoa in past RWC's but didn't know they NEVER beat those teams in a WC. WC's are also probably the only time those teams get to put close to a full strength team out. I guess Wales might struggle against them because of being probably the least structured of the NH sides which plays into the hands of these dangerous (with ball in hand) Islander footballers.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

History means sod all, anything can (and will) happen - I'd be very surprised if there wasn't a match that made people go "Wow.....I wasn't expecting that" be it Fiji hammering South Africa or the All Blacks winning the final p)

 

[Cofi]

So I was browsing through a local news website this morning which had a whole Rugby World Cup page and as I was reading through all the stories, I found something which I didn't know, which I would like to share with you, and please correct me if I'm wrong.

Wales has to play against South Africa, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia.

but with this young and arrogant team (based on the comments made by Mr. Gatland) they should maybe just remember one thing.

Wales has never won a game vs South Africa, Samoa or Fiji during a world cup tournament.

They should be careful that history don't repeat itself.

Thought it was very interesting.

This is precisely why everyone involved in the Wales set-up should be talking themselves up. If that's misconstrued as arrogance or even becomes arrogance, I don't care. It's not meant for anyone else. It's part of the psychological pre-game process. Gatland is trying to change a mindset, which instead of saying 'Let's give it a good go against the Boks, you never know, we might sneak a win' to one that insists on a victory before setting foot on the field of play. Here are the weaknesses, here's how we're going to exploit them, and this is how we win the game.

The horrendous history, which is Wales in WCs cannot be changed; the past is the past. What can be changed is what do you now, during this WC. The Wales boys believe they can beat South Africa. It would be ludicrous not to and admitting defeat before a tackle is made if we were not to say that.

 

[Thingimubob]

Ignore Gatlands comments to the press. He likes to stir the pot, god knows why, but I agree with what Cofi said anyway. And anyway this is probably the best team we've ever had going into a World Cup imo, far better than the shambles we sent in '91 and '07. Admittedly, the '99 team wasn't half bad, but I'd still pick the current team over it any day! It's not arrogance to go to the biggest rugby tournament with some confidence!
Also Sunday will be the first time Wales have ever played South Africa in a World Cup...kinda hard to beat somebody in a WC when you have never actually played them in one?

 

[TRF_Cymro]

I only hope Wales actually beat South Africa Sunday so I can wipe two of the smug faces in this and the other thread off. So much nonsense unbelievable.

 

[Cofi]

Ignore Gatlands comments to the press. He likes to stir the pot, god knows why, but I agree with what Cofi said anyway. And anyway this is probably the best team we've ever had going into a World Cup imo, far better than the shambles we sent in '91 and '07. Admittedly, the '99 team wasn't half bad, but I'd still pick the current team over it any day! It's not arrogance to go to the biggest rugby tournament with some confidence!
Also Sunday will be the first time Wales have ever played South Africa in a World Cup...kinda hard to beat somebody in a WC when you have never actually played them in one?

This is absolutely right. Gats is working hard on instilling a positive attitude in all his players, one that doesn't buckle under pressure. The SA players going onto that pitch believe they have a divine right to winning that game. Too often in the past we've celebrated after a close defeat against a team like SA - Gatland has put a stop to this. Losing should never be celebrated because it perpetuates mediocrity. I believe that Wales has talented players, players capable of competing and winning against SA but they've got to be right in the head as well as physically.

I also agree that Gatland should big up his team without trying to stir up the opposing team. Sometimes it's a fine line but it can be done. His mind games have backfired in the past. Remember Dylan Hartley...

 

[markshaw]

Im going to the Spring Boks Samoa game. You can bet that 90% of the fans there are cheering on Samoa including myself.

 

[TVH11]

I can see where the post is coming from, but there's a fine line between arrogance and confidence. To be fair, If one doesn't believe in themselves whats the point of turning up. You don't play international rugby to lose every match (although yes we've developed a nack for it of late ).

Its all banter I know, everyone's entitled to give it, gotta receive it too

I love Gatland's stirring in the media, its fekin boring listening to same old bull crap boring - yes we've prepared well. Thats why Boxing's so exiting, trash talking prior to fights - after fight their all hugging and friendly after smashing eachother. Same applies to rugby - All friendly!

 

[Riekert]

Good luck to Wales, may the team that want the win the most, take it. One more thing, i like Shane Williams and George North.

 

[DJRonStar]

Im going to the Spring Boks Samoa game. You can bet that 90% of the fans there are cheering on Samoa including myself.

Hey cowboy, I reckon it'll be close to 50 / 50 for the crowd. North Shore has a big South African population. Sold out and looking forward to going to the game.

 

[TRF_heineken]

So as it stands, This record is still in play!

haha! take that Cymro!

 

[SavageLez]

Nice one Cymro, the only thing I agree with in your post is NZ winning the final. Other than that I think Wales will lose to Samoa and Fiji will give them a good go as well. Wales should beat Namibia though but who knows.

Just saw the fixtures. Wales should beat Samoa coz they are required to play 2 matches, 4 days apart (not fair). Samoa play in 2 days time and then have to play Wales in another 4 days. Who drew up such sh.. fixtures for Samoa?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

SA will lose to Samoa, probably Fiji too, and will comfortably beat Namibia

SA will resort to dirty tactics vs Samoa when things aren't going their way and Schalck Gouger will be banned for the rest of the tournament
Their arrogance will lead them to underestimate Fiji who will run around their backs all day

They'll beat Namibia through penalties and dropgoals

 

[TRF_heineken]

Now Now Olyy. that's not nice... just because our team beat your team twice in the same tournament last time, doesn't make this the HATE SA team thread.

Schalk played the full 80 conceding just 1 penalty.

Every team has dirty tactics, geez, especially England!! you will even go as far as doing blood transfusions!!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

a) I don't hate South Africa, they're just playing poorly at the moment and Samoa will give them a shock
b) I don't really care about last WC, I'll be the first to say our team was appalling, it's shocking we made it to the final. Absolutely shocking.
c) Harlequins, not England

d)
Schalck will forever be tarred by this:

Things like the BOD spear tackle in 05 on the Lions tour can be forgiven and forgotten (by most), but that piece of sh*t purposefully tried to BLIND another player. He deserves no respect from anyone.

 

[Jer1cho]

SA will lose to Samoa, probably Fiji too, and will comfortably beat Namibia

SA will resort to dirty tactics vs Samoa when things aren't going their way and Schalck Gouger will be banned for the rest of the tournament
Their arrogance will lead them to underestimate Fiji who will run around their backs all day

They'll beat Namibia through penalties and dropgoals

If you are serious, then I'm not going to bother responding to that, because it's beyond retarded.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If you are serious, then I'm not going to bother responding to that, because it's beyond retarded.

A little of both - I do think SA will lose to Samoa though

 

[Jer1cho]

A little of both - I do think SA will lose to Samoa though

You think Wales will lose to Samoa too then?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I do indeed - The match on Wednesday against Namibia will show where Samoa are at, but if they can keep the form they showed vs Australia then I think they have a very good chance of topping the group