Celtic classic in the making

Witnessing Wales dismantle Fiji in Hamilton, there were times when I thought I might be watching the 2011 World Cup winners.

And then I tuned in to see Ireland do a number on Italy. My oh my, next weekend's Celtic quarter-final bash in Wellington is going to be a barnburner - I haven't looked forward to a rugby match this much in years.

Against South Africa in their World Cup opener, Wales did everything but secure the win - but Warren Gatland's men appear to have been buoyed by the nature of that defeat. Most of the evidence from that night in Wellington suggested Wales had all the tools to make a significant mark in this tournament, except perhaps the belief.

Against Fiji, Wales were positively frothing with the stuff; they were ruthless and they were clinical. True, the Pacific islanders, who for whatever reason have chosen to adopt an alien kicking game, were distinctly ordinary. But Wales took advantage of Fiji's every weakness and appear to have discovered a heady blend at the perfect juncture.

Posted by Đinh Quang Huy on Monday, October 03, 2011. Filed under editor . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry