The Growing and Misplaced Arrogance in Welsh Rugby

There is a growing arrogance in Welsh rugby that I really hope gets shown up on Sunday afternoon.

Ever since the World Cup, all I have come across is self-righteous indignation from everyone from Jonathan Davies to Jonathan Davies to Warren Gatland and every Welsh captain from the past 50 years. You were good in the 1970s, we get it. The only humility has come from Sam Warburton.

First there was his red card, one of the best and most courageous decisions I have ever seen a referee take. The tackle was dangerous and Vincent Clerc's neck was put in considerable danger. If someone mentions this justified red card one more time, I am no longer responsible for my actions.

Alain Rolland, I salute you.

Then there was the utter failure to accept that Wales were responsible for their own defeat. If only their goal-kickers had the ability to knock over simple 3 points, they would have been in the World Cup final. But they consistently failed to accept their own failings.

They ended up fourth in the World Cup after a lacklustre performance against Australia in the play-off. Would it be sacrilegious to point out that this glittering Wales side won just as many games as England? Tricky point to accept for many in the valleys.

Then in the Autumn, Wales lost again to Australia. Things were starting to not add up. But this Wales side is so good? What's going on?

And then the build-up to the 6 Nations. Wales for the grand slam? They were, after all, so good in the World Cup. And aren't their backs wonderful? For that matter, yes they can be.

We're being subjected to embarrassing comparisons between the promising George North and the incomparable Jonah Lomu. Any rugby fan who saw Lomu will now be doubled up with laughter. British & Irish Lions teams are being suggested, packed with Welshmen, those traditionally bad tourists.

This Wales team has achieved nothing of note. Until they achieve something, excuse me for reacting rather coolly to all this hype. As I said, you were good in the 70s, we get it.

Let's see this potential turned into something, then we'll bow down to the superior greatness of Welsh rugby, how important it is in your valleys, how skilful your number 10s always are, how wonderful Max Boyce is and how beautiful Katherine Jenkins is. Until then, pipe down, Davies.