We proceed our countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2023 Draw with Wales the most recent nation underneath the highlight for his or her RWC story.
Ever since their great third-place end on the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, it has been a case of almost however not fairly for Wales.
Following a interval of underneath achievement within the Nineties and 2000s, Wales reached two extra semi-finals in 2011 and 2019 in the course of the Warren Gatland period, however a spot within the match’s showpiece match has all the time proved past them.
We check out Wales’ RWC story.
RWC debut: 25 Could, 1987 v Eire in Wellington
RWC appearances: Performed 44 – Received 26 Drawn 0 Misplaced 18 – Factors for 1,238 Factors in opposition to 865 – Win ratio 59 per cent
Most RWC appearances: Alun Wyn Jones, 21
Most RWC tries: Shane Williams, 10
Greatest end: Third (1987)
Qualification for RWC 2023: RWC 2019 semi-finalists
Most memorable match: New Zealand 57-33 Wales, RWC 2003. Okay, it’s a loss however the method wherein Wales performed, when all the chances had been stacked in opposition to them, will dwell lengthy within the reminiscence. Having suffered a Six Nations whitewash earlier within the 12 months, Wales arrived in Australia with little expectation on them to do nicely. Free from any stress, they ripped into New Zealand of their remaining pool sport and led 37-33 with simply over 25 minutes to go by enjoying an exhilarating model of rugby. It didn’t final because the All Blacks got here roaring again to attain 20 unanswered factors, however by way of leisure, that match is correct up there with one of the best. Wales took that kind into the quarter-final in opposition to England and once more had their extra vaunted opponents on the again foot till England, like New Zealand, managed to discover a solution to change the course of the sport and pull by way of.
Iconic second: Paul Thorburn’s touchline kick to win the bronze medal on the inaugural match in 1987. Adrian Hadley’s attempt had introduced Wales to inside one level of Australia, however they had been nonetheless reliant on their nerveless full-back to fit the additional two factors to safe victory. Thorburn obliged and Wales went dwelling with their heads held excessive.
Low level: Nineteen minutes into the Rugby World Cup 2011 semi-final between Wales and France at Eden Park, Wales captain Sam Warburton was despatched off for a harmful tip-tackle on Vincent Clerc. Regardless of enjoying with 14 males for three-quarters of the match, Wales got here agonisingly near reaching their first remaining, however Les Bleus held on to win 9-8.
When it comes to being on the receiving finish of shock outcomes, look no additional than the 1991 loss to Western Samoa. Samoa beat them once more in 1999, earlier than the Pacific Island jinx continued with defeat to Fiji at RWC 2007.
Iconic participant: Shane Williams. Gareth Thomas scored a hat-trick on his debut in opposition to Japan at Rugby World Cup 1995, however Williams outscored the previous Wales captain total. In 11 appearances throughout three Rugby World Cups, the pocket-rocket winger danced his solution to 10 tries and was additionally answerable for numerous attempt assists.
Document-breaker: Josh Adams turned the primary Welshman to be prime try-scorer at a Rugby World Cup when he ran in seven tries in as many video games at RWC 2019.
Do you know? Wales conceded simply 5 tries and 56 factors in six matches as much as their bronze remaining showdown with Australia at RWC 2011.
Quote: “It’s protected to say that’s the most individuals I’ve ever had watch me practice – or watch one among my membership video games.” – Wales prop Rhys Carre, the youngest participant within the squad and showing at his first Rugby World Cup, on the open coaching session in Kitakyushu when 15,000 Japanese sang the Welsh nationwide anthem.
READ MORE: Italy / Fiji / Argentina / Scotland / Japan / France / Australia / Ireland
