In what must be one of the most peripatetic years in terms of rugby success, Wales have enjoyed the glory of a Six Nations grand slam and suffered the shame of a winless autumn series.
The loss of Warren Gatland temporarily to the services of the upcoming Lions Tour further deepens the sense of pessimism surrounding the nation’s chances of repeating their feat of last year, particularly given the promising form of their rivals.
Defeats against Argentina and Samoa cost them their place as in tier 2 of seeding for the world cup, meaning that they will now have to beat one of Australia or England to have any chance of making the quarter-finals.
However, supporters shouldn’t be regarding this year’s competition with the gloom some are encouraging; key players such as Sam Warburton, the team’s captain, Adam Jones and Six Nations man-of-the-tournament Dan Lydiate all missed the autumn tests but should be back in time for the start of the tournament, which the team would hope might make them rediscover their old rhythm.
Furthermore, of their opponents, only France have demonstrated continual class. While England may have defeated New Zealand, they have showed inconsistency throughout the year and Wales will be hoping the team which lost to Australia turns up instead. Until Ireland’s victory against Argentina, their poor results had left them languishing in tier 3 for the World Cup group stages. If Scotland and Italy are causing Wales problems, then they shouldn’t even consider themselves grand slam contenders.
Whatever the team’s aspirations, their first match against Ireland is huge. They won in the last-minute of the game in the preceding year, and it looks as though this fixture will end with a similar margin of victory.