VIBE
Looking at the tournament schedule, this should have been an easy match to predict, but Japan v South Africa changed all that; that match, combined with Wales playing their first match and being at home, meant Wales were nervous, and it showed. Being behind 6-0 after nine minutes only reinforced that. However, normal service soon resumed and despite a brave effort for the full 80 from Uruguay, Wales had both the bonus point and the win in the bag by half-time. However, that is not to say Warren Gatland would have been pleased – far from it. He’ll take the five points, the pool lead and a decent for and against, but he won’t be happy, and understandably so. Apart from an error-riddled back-line, he’ll be talking at length with the medicos in the next few days.
SCORE
Half Time
Wales 28-9 Uruguay.
Full Time
Wales 54-9 Uruguay.
Wales
Tries: Lee, Allen (3), Amos, Davies (2), Tipuric,
Conversions: Priestland (7/8)
Uruguay
Penalty Goals: Berchesi (3/4)
INCIDENTS OF NOTEUnlike the opening match, the TMO was largely invisible. Called on to check Allen’s first try (offside, plus the unusual grounding), which made sense. Alerted Poite to a no-arms Uruguay clean-out, which was technically correct but could have been left. ARs were invisible, in a good way.
The maul played its part again. Uruguay chose not to contest at times, with some benefit, although one call, incorrectly, went against them. Both teams at times constructed old fashioned mauls, where the ball is passed back, which augers well as this takes out some of the controversies that can be created at the maul (e.g. ball carrier “swimming” backwards).
Uruguay 10 (Berchesi) strong over the ball and won penalties. Uruguay as a whole strong on the ball, and contested throughout. Also took a shot at goal from 55m+, and although it was a shocking kick, shows they have confidence in their kicking ability.
Wales scrum dominant, and largely earned the reward. With a 50kg+ weight advantage, they owned Uruguay although again, as in everything else, Uruguay didn’t give up.
Wales used their bench VERY early, Uruguay the opposite. Curious on both counts.
Allen had a strong game for Wales, but the rest of the backs were ordinary. If my U11 backs played that poorly, they’d be doing laps. LOTS of laps.
Wales didn’t attempt a single penalty goal.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Poite had a good game, made easier by the dominant Welsh scrum. In a more evenly contested set piece I’d still be nervous. Early on the Welsh did two early line-out jumps, which he let go, whereas I think he should have called them on it, as it caused some confusion amongst the Uruguay line-out defenders. Poite set a high standard early (sealing off, high tackles) and that helped the game flow thereafter.
SHOULD I BOTHER WATCHING IT?
A rhetorical question – it’s Australia’s pool, plus the referee in one of our key matches. ‘Nuff said? Plus, you’ll be scratching your head trying to work out who will win between England and Wales – too close to call at the moment, especially given Wales’ injuries.
