Wales rugby is facing a tough time, and it’s got everyone talking. Five games into Steve Tandy’s reign, discipline seems to be the Achilles heel. Saturday’s 48-7 loss to England at Twickenham highlighted just how much penalties are costing the team. In those five matches, Wales have racked up 65 penalties, with 10 yellows and a red card, putting them in tough spots repeatedly. This recurring issue isn’t new; it’s something Tandy and the team are desperate to fix.
In the match against England, the first half was brutal. Wales conceded 10 penalties in just 21 minutes, ultimately giving the game away. Tandy’s words sum it up: “We created the pressure on ourselves.” England capitalised on Wales’ blunders, and playing with reduced numbers only made things worse.
A silver lining? The team’s work ethic and skill set are undeniable, and there’s hope that they’ll learn and grow from this. But it’s clear that they need to tighten up their discipline to compete at the top. Wales needs to figure out how to handle the pressure without conceding penalties or losing players to the sin bin.
Defensively, they struggled with England’s pace. The cracks were evident as the defence couldn’t hold up against quick plays and smart moves by England. England’s try off back-to-back penalties showed Wales’ vulnerability when defending near their own line.
So, what’s next for Wales? The talent is there, but they need to harness it without self-sabotaging. The squad has a great opportunity to learn from these experiences and refine their strategy. With the right adjustments, Tandy’s team could get back on track. Fans are hopeful for a turnaround, but it’ll take hard work and focus on the basics. It’s a rocky road, but there’s still belief in the boys in red. 🏉🏴 #WalesRugby #DisciplineMakeover #FaithInTheDragon