Sport

Wales suffers defeat to Argentina: ‘Too many mistakes cost them the match’

Published

7 months ago

October 14, 2023

IN A VERY disappointing turn of events for Welsh rugby fans, Wales faced a 17-29 defeat against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup 2023. The match, which took place on October 14, 2023, saw Wales making crucial mistakes on the field that ultimately proved costly.

Dan Biggar and Liam Williams, two key players for Wales, were not at their best due to injuries, according to former Wales wing Caryl James. Their less-than-optimal condition made it challenging for Wales to perform at their peak, he said.

James remarked, “But there were too many mistakes; we had chances and we left the points out on the pitch in the first half.”

Despite these setbacks, Argentina displayed resilience and skill throughout the game. They managed to stay in the match, gradually accumulating points and scoring two tries in the final half-hour. Their performance ultimately secured them a well-deserved victory.

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson, commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted that Wales seemed to struggle with countering Argentina’s strategic changes in the second half. He expressed his astonishment, saying, “Watching Wales in the first half was a total joy. I cannot believe the side who played England in the first game of this World Cup is in the semi-final – it has blown my mind.”

Wales came tantalizingly close to a semi-final berth but fell short due to what can be described as “small margins” in their defeat against Argentina. The loss marks the end of their journey in the Rugby World Cup 2023, leaving fans and pundits alike reflecting on what might have been.

James Hook, former Wales fly-half, added his thoughts, saying, “We’re lost for words. In the second half, Argentina just turned the screw. Tomos Williams was very good when he came on, he was a running threat, he scored a lovely try from nothing, really. Argentina just pinned Wales back, they put pressure on Wales. Their driving mauls started to work, their carries in the 22 started to work. I know we’ll probably go to that incident with Nick Tompkins – that seemed to change the momentum with the fans and with the Welsh players, they looked deflated after that.”

Stay tuned for more reactions and analysis from Wales’ World Cup exit, including Warren Gatland’s post-match press conference, as we continue to cover this tournament’s developments.

News

Free disability sports event heads to Pembroke Leisure Centre

Published

22 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Leisure Centre will play host to a free disability sports and physical event later this month with lots of sports and activities to try.

The insport series, in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure is an inclusive sport and physical activity event.

It offers opportunities for disabled young people (ages 5 years+) and adults across Pembrokeshire and friends and family are welcome.

On offer to try are: boxing, boccia, swimming (on a separate first come first serve booking basis), football, wheelchair rugby, target shooting, adaptive bikes, cricket, golf, multisport, and more.

The event takes place Pembroke Leisure Centre, on Wednesday May 29^th between 10am-2pm.

Booking for the event and swim places is required.

For more information please contact: Jess West from Sport Pembrokeshire byemail [email protected] or by calling 07795305871.

News

Two changes to Scarlets side for Zebre match-up

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HEAD coach Dwayne Peel has made two changes to his Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round 17 clash with Zebre Parma at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (19:35 BBC Wales).

Alex Craig has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place in the second row, while behind the scrum Ioan Lloyd replaces fellow Wales international Sam Costelow at fly-half.

Ioan Nicholas, Tomi Lewis and Ryan Conbeer continue in the back three; Johnny Williams again partners Eddie James, while Lloyd links up with the experienced Gareth Davies at half-back.

In the pack, the front row of Kemsley Mathias, skipper Ryan Elias and Harri O’Connor get the nod to start again. Craig partners Morgan Jones at lock, while Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis and No. 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu are selected in the back row.

On the bench, Wales U20s centre Macs Page – part of Llandovery’s Indigo Premiership title-winning side last weekend – is set to make his URC debut.

Scarlets scrum and contact skills coach Emyr Phillips said: “We are looking to build some momentum in these last two games to fire us into pre-season. We are encouraging the boys to play high-tempo rugby and get the ball moving because that’s when we are at our best. We know Zebre will bring emotion to the game and we need to match that.”

Scarlets team to play Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday, May 17 (19:35; BBC Wales)

15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias (capt), 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Morgan Jones, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu.

Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Jarrod Taylor, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page

Players unavailable because of injury

Tom Rogers, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Steff Evans, Joe Roberts, Josh Macleod, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Jac Davies.

News

Charity football match scores big for mental health awareness

Published

6 days ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN an inspiring display of community spirit and sportsmanship on Friday (May 10), the Ogi Bridge Meadow stadium hosted a charity football match that saw local mental health charity, Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), triumph over 2Wish, with a final score of 5-1. The event drew a large crowd, who gathered to support both organizations dedicated to mental health and well-being.

GTBAL, a renowned Pembrokeshire charity known for its efforts in mental health advocacy, put on a strong performance, leading to a decisive victory that was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the spectators. The match not only provided an evening of thrilling sports action but also raised significant awareness and funds for the causes represented by the two teams.

Maria Elena Smith, a spectator and supporter, praised the event, commenting, “Amazing effort from everyone involved. As always, the charities that support so many families and individuals have come out in force. Well done all and thank you for all the support.”

Adrian Smith, another attendee, highlighted the importance of the charities’ work, stating, “Don’t underestimate what both these charities do. It was a fantastic evening raising awareness.”

The event served as a reminder of the vital role these organizations play in the community, offering support and resources to those facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event that went beyond just a game, fostering community unity and support for pivotal causes.