Plots and sub-plots make for two fascinating battles
RUGBY SENSE FROM THE S4C PUNDIT
JUDGEMENT Day has become a firm fixture in the rugby calendar. The co-operation between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions in supporting and marketing this annual occasion has captured the public’s imagination and should ensure another record-breaking crowd.
In some ways it has taken over from the old end-of-season cup final when the stadium would be filled with a mixture of die-hard fanatics and casual supporters.
This year’s offering is another exciting prospect with plots and subplots throughout.
The Scarlets look to solidify their position in the top four with another bonus-point victory against the Dragons. What I particularly liked in their demolition of Treviso last weekend was the boldness of their approach.
Rather than regurgitating the clichés about making sure of the win before thinking about bonus points, they set themselves a target of scoring 50 points. It set the tone for the whole game.
Instead of trying to execute a good exit from their own 22, they attacked. Instead of waiting to play from the right areas, they ran the ball from any area. And, to a large extent, it worked.
They made mistakes and, on occasions, they put themselves under a bit of pressure, but overall they scored far more points and created many more opportunities by employing this attitude than if they had not.
The Dragons will be smarting from another shattering defeat in Zebre. They will look to be physical and oppressive against the Scarlets. It must be difficult for the team facing an uncertain future to focus on the details, but perhaps the passion of a derby match is just what they need.
I think that if the Scarlets can maintain their skills under the pressure that the Dragons will exert on them they will take away another bonus point win.
But it’s all about the first 15 minutes. If the Dragons can force some errors and create doubt in their minds then it becomes an old-fashioned derby and the bonus point will be the last thing on anyone’s minds.
The first game between the Ospreys and the Blues is intriguing. The Ospreys are on a losing run, but don’t be mistaken into thinking they are playing poorly. They are not. They did all but win against Leinster and looked comfortable for long periods.
They look to me like a side not far from getting it right. I’m not completely sure about the composition of the back three and they miss the presence of skipper Alun Wyn Jones, but they are organised and determined.
Keelan Giles adds a flavour of the unexpected and they have immaculate control from their half-backs. Dan Baker is looking more dynamic from the base which provides them with so many options from which to attack.
The Ospreys have a brutal run-in and the Blues are the only side they face that don’t have something riding on the outcome. Apart from pride, of course.
The Blues are enjoying their rugby. They are emerging from a very fallow and very long mid-season period and they are beginning to resemble the side we saw back in September.
They are a dangerous outfit with nothing to lose. They are playing high-risk, high-reward rugby and scoring tries from all over the park against seriously good teams.
I am very impressed with Danny Wilson, who is a calm and focused individual. He was a coach of fastidious detail, but in his new role he is becoming a big picture man. His philosophy is developing and although it is being shaped by the skill mix within his squad, you can begin to see what the Blues are trying to be when all the bits come together.
I think the Ospreys will sneak through with sheer force of will. They will remain in the top four as the pressure mounts in the final weeks of the season.
Judgment Day is already a commercial and marketing success. I think that it is beholden of our regions to ensure that is a success on the pitch too.
In fairness, I think all four of the regions are trying to expand their game plans, but their commitment to open rugby will be tested more and more as the stakes are raised.
Let the teams be judged on their skills and vision, on their ability to create and finish chances and on the amount of tries they score. It will ensure the same sense of anticipation for the Judgment Days to come.
Gwyn Jones is a member of S4C’s Clwb Rygbi team for Judgement Day. S4C will have live coverage of the Newport Gwent Dragons v Scarlets from 5pm on Saturday. S4C will also have live coverage of all three National Finals Day matches on Sunday. Coverage of the Bowl final between Amman United and Caerphilly starts at 12.45pm. Coverage of the Plate final between Penallta and Ysalyfera starts at 3pm. Coverage of the Cup final between Pontypridd and RGC 1404 starts at 5.15pm. English commentary available on all three National Finals Day matches.