photo by Mark Harris

Wales know exactly what they have to do against England at Blackwood Bulldogs RLFC on Sunday (kick-off 3pm) after Ireland’s 28-18 win over Scotland in Glasgow last week. A three-point win for the them will give them their fourth Home Nations title in five years, on points difference.

Ireland and Wales drew 16-16 last month while Wales recorded a 44-30 win over Scotland in Cardiff in June. England beat Scotland 42-40 after losing 28-22 to the Irish.

The Welsh go into this match confident of doing well but they know that England will be desperate to win to take second place in the final table.

Wales field a strong side captained by former Celtic Crusaders prop Karl Hocking. They also field four other players with Crusaders experience in Neil Dixon, Lee Williams, Paul Morgan and Dean Scully.

Wales coach Wayne Williams said: “England is always the ultimate challenge and one all the players are looking forward to. The standard of this year’s competition has been the highest ever and all the players and staff have thoroughly enjoyed the constant challenge.

“We have come through this season capping 28 players and even though we’ve been our worst enemy at times we have also played some very attractive rugby. After the thriller in Ireland the players understand Saturday’s challenge. We will know what result we will need to take the title due to Scotland and Ireland playing last week, but first and foremost we will be looking to finish the season with a victory.

“Our pack needs to meet the English toe to toe so we need big games off the likes of Mark Wheeler and Dean Scully. Our back line needs to live up to the potential it has shown all year especially Gareth David and Blackwood Bulldogs own David James.”

The main match will be preceded by the Welsh Rugby League under 17 Final between Blackwood Bulldogs and Newport Titans, who were the top two sides in this season’s domestic league. Kick-off for that match is 1pm while the Mynyddislwyn Male Voice Choir will perform at 2.30pm. Admission is £5 adults, £2 concessions before 2pm and £3 adults, £1 concessions after that time.

Wales: 1. Neil Dixon (Bridgend Blue Bulls), 2. Daniel Blethyn (NPT Steelers), 3. Lee Williams (Valley Cougars), 4. David James (Blackwood Bulldogs), 5. Paul Morgan (Bridgend Blue Bulls), 6. Gareth David (Bridgend Blue Bulls), 7. Gareth Jones (Cardiff Demons), 8. Karl Hocking (Bridgend Blue Bulls), 9. Dan Williams (Bridgend Blue Bulls), 10. Mark Wheeler (Newport Titans), 11. Dean Scully (NPT Steelers), 12. John Bowd (Newport Titans), 13. Matt Entwhistle (Torfaen Tigers), 14. Joey Davies (Cardiff Demons), 15. Steve Mayley (Torfaen Tigers), 16. John Trickey (Cardiff Demons), 17. Paul Emmanuelli (Blackwood Bulldogs).

England (from): Paul Coates (Bramley Buffaloes), Darren Forshaw (Liverpool Buccaneers), Tom Sibley (Blackpool Sea Eagles), Steve Froggatt (Featherstone Lions), Richard Whitehouse (Telford Raiders), Stu Smith (Bridlington Bulls), Olly Fountain (St Albans Centurions), Matt Jackson (Devon Sharks), Scott Pendlebury (Bramley Buffaloes), Jamie Nicholson (Featherstone Lions), Daryl Lacey (Liverpool Buccaneers), Marco Rossi (St Ives Roosters), Chris Gardner (Bramley Buffaloes), Mark Butterill (Bramley Buffaloes), Andy Lake (St Albans Centurions), Chris Spiers (Blackpool Sea Eagles), Dan Reeds (Lincoln City Knights), Mark Tepper (Featherstone Lions), Andy Addison (Warrington Wizards), Matt Wilson (Warrington Wizards), Carl Leach (Huddersfield Underbank Rangers).

article by Ian Golden
16 August 2007