I can't help feeling that as each year goes by - 64 years since, 65, 66, 67 - it becomes more and more ingrained in the Welsh psyche: we can't beat the All Blacks. No matter how inspiring the pre-match talk or the talking-up generally, I wonder if there is a Welsh player going on the field this afternoon who genuinely believes they can win.
I would love to be proved wrong.
The other thing. On her blog Janie writes about The Burning Bed and domestic abuse of women. It reminded me that on international day in Wales the number of domestic assaults increases, regardless of the result.
While football matches can have a bad reputation for hooliganism and violence - so much so that there are strict no alcohol rules - rugby matches are noted for the good humour of the fans. No segregation of opposing team fans here, and drinking is all part of the afternoon's entertainment. So I was very depressed when I heard about the abuse at home afterwards.
Some people are jolly drunks, some are maudlin, others, I suppose, are violent, at least towards those they can bully.
But now I've got my cawl (Welsh stew made with lamb and leeks and plenty of root veg) on the stove, just have to make the dumplings and we'll have a traditional Welsh dinner or perhaps that should be tea as we in Wales are inclined to call it.
2 comments:
The All Blacks may still be the impossible dream, but Wales can generally count on intimidating the English team with hymns in four part harmony at Twickenham before routing them!
I hear about the All Blacks from a NZ blogger I follow. They are formidable. The stew looks so good!
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