Saturday, November 04, 2023

Got to mention the rugby

 Wales 49 : 26 Barbarians

Not unexpected but a pleasing result all the same. The loudest applause of the afternoon came when the Barbarians scored a try, or, more particularly, when Alun Wyn Jones, on this occasion captain of the Barbarians but previously Wales captain and the world's most-capped rugby player, scored a try. And perhaps the most amazing thing: he smiled! Laughed even.

The Millennium Stadium, the heart of Welsh rugby, was nearly full as fans turned out to say goodbye to retiring player Leigh Halfpenny and already-retired Alun Wyn and Justin Tipuric. A great tribute to three of Wales' most popular players.

The Barbarians as I mentioned before are a team put together a couple of times a year and currently managed by Eddie Jones, ex England and latterly Australia coach. Every time he appeared on the big screen he was roundly booed. I couldn't think why for a moment then remembered: he called Wales "a sh***y little place."

In other news, Elder Son and GrandSon3 went to watch the Swans play football this afternoon, GrandSon3's first live match. I'm following the score on the internet. At 90 minutes, though there are a couple more minutes to play, it's 0-0. Gripping stuff.

2 comments:

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

My husband watched a televised rugby match during our time in the UK and his take was that this it's a violent sport. I'm sure there will be those who agree or disagree, but he did say he would not want to attend a game.

Liz Hinds said...

It's certainly very physical, Beatrice, and can appear violent.