- Jan 21, 2013
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I didn't actually see what he said about Gregor Townsend. But I don't think anyone is under any illusion as to what sort of character Eddie is.
I actually mean the public more than the squad. Maybe it's just my experience, but I've always found the Welsh public generally to me much more chippy about England than anyone else, and often are unable to separate any rugby criticism from a lifelong hatred of the English brought about by things that happened quite a while ago.
I'm sure some of the squad feel that way as well, but you'd trust Gatland to be able to focus that properly so not really sure Eddie gains much by it. As you say, the way to take it is all in good jest and concentrate on the rugby itself.
You’re not far wrong, tbf. I’ve said before when we’ve touched on this subject that some of it is generational. I go into my old mans local and most blokes over 50 still have the mentality that as long as we beat England they’ll be happy with the wodden spoon.
That kind of mindset has been standard for decades but I think that is subsiding, largely due to the success we’ve had in the 6N over the last decade.
I’m glad you’re speaking in a rugby context as this is what it comes down to. We’re different in that Rugby is a massive part of our modern, cultural identity. It means a lot. In Scotland, England etc it’s not as important so I think that’s another reason why we can get a bit more heated than say your average Scot. There’s no doubt that the Welsh/English rivalry is the most fierce.
No doubt it’s not just rugby as there’s other historical things at play here but the 70s/80s was a long time ago now.
Who knows, though. These things are complex and you can’t put 3 million people into the same box (not saying you’re doing that by the way) and like you I can only speak of my experience (which is pretty limited as I only manage to get up to Wales 2 maybe 3 times a year)
It’s also worth mentioning, like Gatland said the other day, that Wales is extremely tribal and we’re no different to any other place in that sense as local rivalries can be more important than national ones. My dad, for example, is pretty old school, votes Plaid, just wants to beat England, can be very petty but would rather lose to England if it meant Neath beating Llanelli.
Having said all that, if Jones is trying to wind up the public I don’t know why as I can’t really see it having an effect on the game. Surely even he doesn’t want an extra intimidating atmosphere (not that a wales England games needs it)