The Murrayfield Lament with a side of George North
The Star Casino, Sydney, bears little resemblance to 'Taly Social' (pronounced Taleee, short for Talybont), the bar at my Uni halls of residence.
It bears no resemblance.
However, as I exited the gambling emporium at 3:37am on Sunday February 26 2017, vis a vis today, my face held a glum expression that perfectly resembled that with which I departed the student binge drinking haven on February 10th 2007. The day on which Wales last experienced defeat at the hands of the Scots. As a sign of personal development, I would like to add that the 2017 dejected Welsh fan comes without the Strongbow and Black stains situated within a short radius of the mouth.
So, why did Scotland win? They nailed their doubles. No, this is not a reference to the much stereotyped drinking prowess of the Scots, more a darts type analogy used to indicate that Vern Cotter's side were more clinical in converting opportunity into points. And we all know what points mean.....(the answer is prizes).
Case in point would be Leigh Halfpenny's attempt at goal, minutes before the break. A shot that sailed uncharacteristically wide of the intended target. If successful, Wales would have trotted down the tunnel with a ten point lead. As it were, man of the match, Finn Russell, nudged over three points to reduce the arrears to just four. A debt that the Scots would repay, and then some, in the second period.
In what was probably an unintentional homage to the greatest rugby orientated video game, Jonah Lomu Rugby, all of the games tries were scored by wing men. The only wing to miss out on a five pointer was George North. Although it wasn't just the meat pie that was lacking from North's, Murrayfield serve.
Two of the iconic images from the Lions' victorious tour of Australia in 2013 feature a then 21 year old North as protagonist. There is that World's Strongest Man style fireman's carry that he gave to test debutante Izzy Folau, and then the much maligned finger wag offered up to a helpless Will Genia as the Lions' number eleven crossed the line following a run that featured the pace, power, footwork and balance that made North, Wales' premier attacking weapon. A weapon that Wales sorely miss.
Four years on and it is conceivable that North won't be on the plane to New Zealand. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, we have spent more time discussing North's run of concussions than his barnstorming ball running.
I don't profess to be an expert in sports psychology or have an understanding of the mental preparation required for elite level sport. I certainly don't think that George North takes the field with anything but a desire to do his best for his country. But, on a human level it is logical that North's instincts towards the high impact collisions have changed as a result of his concussions.
The reasons for his dip in form might indeed be more complex than just the concussions but he looked well short of his 'beast mode' best against the Scots, yesterday. Scotland seemed to perceive that North was lacking in confidence. Ali Price peppered box kicks down North's flank with a frequency that suggested it was a deliberate ploy.
North and plenty of his Wales colleagues will have to go some in the final two games of the championship if they want to justify Lions selection on form as opposed to being reliant on reputation. That said, Gatland has previously held no qualms for selecting based on the latter. However, given the pool of players who have both form and reputation - the latter in isolation may not be sufficient.
For Wales, the game is now up for this year's Six Nations championship. Defeat to Ireland and France is simultaneously fathomable and unfathomable such is the roller coaster that is Welsh rugby.
Next up a 7am KO against the Irish. Hopefully time for my casino fortunes to change, and if not, there better be a decent bacon sarnie.
It bears no resemblance.
However, as I exited the gambling emporium at 3:37am on Sunday February 26 2017, vis a vis today, my face held a glum expression that perfectly resembled that with which I departed the student binge drinking haven on February 10th 2007. The day on which Wales last experienced defeat at the hands of the Scots. As a sign of personal development, I would like to add that the 2017 dejected Welsh fan comes without the Strongbow and Black stains situated within a short radius of the mouth.
So, why did Scotland win? They nailed their doubles. No, this is not a reference to the much stereotyped drinking prowess of the Scots, more a darts type analogy used to indicate that Vern Cotter's side were more clinical in converting opportunity into points. And we all know what points mean.....(the answer is prizes).
Case in point would be Leigh Halfpenny's attempt at goal, minutes before the break. A shot that sailed uncharacteristically wide of the intended target. If successful, Wales would have trotted down the tunnel with a ten point lead. As it were, man of the match, Finn Russell, nudged over three points to reduce the arrears to just four. A debt that the Scots would repay, and then some, in the second period.
In what was probably an unintentional homage to the greatest rugby orientated video game, Jonah Lomu Rugby, all of the games tries were scored by wing men. The only wing to miss out on a five pointer was George North. Although it wasn't just the meat pie that was lacking from North's, Murrayfield serve.
Two of the iconic images from the Lions' victorious tour of Australia in 2013 feature a then 21 year old North as protagonist. There is that World's Strongest Man style fireman's carry that he gave to test debutante Izzy Folau, and then the much maligned finger wag offered up to a helpless Will Genia as the Lions' number eleven crossed the line following a run that featured the pace, power, footwork and balance that made North, Wales' premier attacking weapon. A weapon that Wales sorely miss.Four years on and it is conceivable that North won't be on the plane to New Zealand. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, we have spent more time discussing North's run of concussions than his barnstorming ball running.
I don't profess to be an expert in sports psychology or have an understanding of the mental preparation required for elite level sport. I certainly don't think that George North takes the field with anything but a desire to do his best for his country. But, on a human level it is logical that North's instincts towards the high impact collisions have changed as a result of his concussions.
The reasons for his dip in form might indeed be more complex than just the concussions but he looked well short of his 'beast mode' best against the Scots, yesterday. Scotland seemed to perceive that North was lacking in confidence. Ali Price peppered box kicks down North's flank with a frequency that suggested it was a deliberate ploy.
North and plenty of his Wales colleagues will have to go some in the final two games of the championship if they want to justify Lions selection on form as opposed to being reliant on reputation. That said, Gatland has previously held no qualms for selecting based on the latter. However, given the pool of players who have both form and reputation - the latter in isolation may not be sufficient.
For Wales, the game is now up for this year's Six Nations championship. Defeat to Ireland and France is simultaneously fathomable and unfathomable such is the roller coaster that is Welsh rugby.
Next up a 7am KO against the Irish. Hopefully time for my casino fortunes to change, and if not, there better be a decent bacon sarnie.
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