WE’RE READY TO LET RIP
Wales will take frustration out on Scotland after week of woe
WALES have flown north out of one storm and into another ahead of their latest Guinness Six Nations match in Scotland.
But now in the midst of a meteorological, rather than political, whirlwind Warren Gatland’s men will feel far more comfortable.
It might be blowing a hoolie at Murrayfield at 2.15pm today but Wales will be in control of their own destiny for the first time in a wild week.
Thirteen of their matchday 23 are either Scarlets or Ospreys, and have been worried sick about the future of their regions, playing careers and financial safety as talk of mergers and revamps swirled.
There is no doubt Gatland, who has never lost to Scotland as Wales coach, will have used the emotion of the unravelling news agenda to stir his players into fighting mood.
He has admitted the whole mess has been a sorry distraction but as galvanisation goes, it could suit a Welsh group who love nothing more than sticking two fingers up to doubters.
‘All the goings- on off the field might add fuel to the fire,’ said wing Josh Adams. ‘Come kickoff, we’ll let it rip.’
Hooker Ken Owens, Scarlet to his socks and flame-douser extraordinaire in his role as Welsh Rugby Players’ Association chairman, has had quite a week.
‘There is a little bit of anger,’ noted the 32-year-old. ‘It won’t be impacting my performance, I can tell you that. It does get you down but it is what it is. We’re looking forward to taking some frustration out.’
Alun Wyn Jones, the captain and Osprey who has periodically been back in Swansea this week to fight fires, is also desperate for talk to stop and action to start.
‘It’s been nice to have the outlet that is rugby and have an away game which has been a blessing,’ he said. ‘We’re not politicians, so we don’t have to delve too much into that. Warren’s been his unflappable self. He’s galvanised from the top down and a lot of the players have done it from the bottom up, that’s what we need.’
Aside from the chaotic nature of the week, a theme has been Wales’ defeat here in 2017, under caretaker head coach Rob Howley. In giddy pursuit of a Grand Slam, knowing when they have won three to start a Six Nations Wales never fail to complete the sweep, the memory of that 29-13 loss has kept feet on the floor.
Opposite Wales, Scotland are exasperated with their own recent results but determined. ‘When you feel you have the potential and are not living up to it is frustrating,’ said skipper Stuart McInally. ‘We want to blend that style of rugby we play, playing fast with a real hard edge in defence and dominating the collisions.’
Win in Edinburgh, against a quick Scottish line-up with Ali Price, Finn Russell and Darcy Graham all nimble and nippy, and Welsh expectation will go into overdrive ahead of Ireland next week.
But Gatland thinks he has a level- headed squad. ‘ We’re definitely maturing,’ he said. ‘There’s no panicking and a belief they can come through and win a game. That’s been massive. I don’t see any fear in their eyes or any trepidation.
‘There’s a confidence in the squad in their ability, they have belief in themselves and each other. That makes it easy from a coaching perspective because the players are taking on a huge amount of responsibility.’
Gatland was talking about on the field but the same applies to a difficult week off it.
Win thunderously in these circumstances to go 13 Tests unbeaten and the result may be the lightning rod to spark Wales’ whole year.