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Fans perplexed as Wales turn 'worst performance in Welsh rugby history' into heroic loss

03 Feb 2024

Wales v Scotland – Guinness Six Nations – Principality Stadium

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.

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.

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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.’

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.”

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

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Comments

3 Comments

OJohn 467 days ago

For goodness sake Wales grow some nuts and get a Welsh coach. You’re pathetic.

Jérémie 467 days ago

Racist.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 3 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 3 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 3 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 3 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 3 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 3 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍