Wales Women face their litmus test in a sold-out Cardiff Arms Park
Wales Women make a big step by filling Cardiff Arms Park, and could take an even bigger one in a Triple Crown clash with the Red Roses.
“We had DJ Shep in, our analyst, just to create that noise to get used to the weekend. Obviously we’ve sold out so, it’s something we’re not used to is that noise, so just getting used to that and being able to communicate under those noises.” said Wales captain Hannah Jones, with her bright grin and subtle chuckle.
We talk about intimidating atmospheres often in sports. Mainly in the context of away sides; or how a crowd’s energy imbues those on the pitch. How the collective voice, angelic and unrestrained, of the Principality Stadium fills the sky to both strengthen and weaken the players, for example.
It is not often thought about, however, how the home team handles and reacts to that noise of support from their own crowd, particularly in a communicative sense, and how it might affect the players.
That it is something that Jones et al have had to prepare for is telling, and indicative of the support this Wales team has amassed in quick time.
It is, of course, only a few weeks since the side witnessed their record attendance at the Cardiff Arms Parks in their victory over Ireland in the opening round of the Championship, with 4,962 people watching on.
The growth of women’s rugby, or of any sport in its infancy, involves a number of interconnected relationships which are necessary if it is to survive and thrive.
A union or club must back its playing staff fully and without question. In return, they need those players to perform to a higher level from then on, or at least show that they can. At that point, there enters a dependence on the fans to show their support and justify even further investment.
Professionalism in the Welsh game has begun - check.
Wales’ performances and fitness has seen a marked improvement - check. Wales Women sell out Cardiff Arms Park - check.
And that, truly, is something to be praised. It not only proves, in a crude business sense, that investment into this squad is justifiable but demonstrates that for those at the WRU who determine when and where the investment appears, the audience and commercial viability for it exists.
Jo Tongue, a former sports reporter, FA registered agent, and Director of Women in Football, remarked on what’s important for women’s football going forward a few years ago in an interview with Network She:
“The only way we can advance the game and improve standards is to put money into it. But potential sponsors must see that they are getting value and the only way is if they are seeing improvements in coverage, interest and quality. It is a two-fold thing.”1
It may be four years old and in the context of a different sport, but it has intense relevancy for women’s rugby across the board.
Money is the aim of the game and when potential sponsors see Wales at the Arms Park or the Red Roses at Twickenham, their eyes may just light up.
Whilst England head to Twickenham in the final round, we’re still a while away from Wales Women migrating to the Principality. But that day will come.
Whilst that represents one gulf between the teams, there exists another on the pitch.
Wales has started the Six Nations at a blistering pace. A domineering win over Ireland followed by a breathless encounter with Scotland, both of them bonus point wins.
After that bout in Edinburgh, those following the Welsh team, and some who weren’t began to take notice. Praise flowed for the Welsh front row as Ioan Cunningham kept his eye on Wales’ journey, praising the grit of his squad at every opportunity.
Against Scotland and Ireland Wales made it a mission to control the set piece, and from there, control the game. They did that largely through the front row’s dominance - Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, and Sisilia Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu, the newly-birthed star of the front row, has quickly become a lightning rod for support with two Player of the Match awards at the tender age of 19. And her family ties further cement the cheer surrounding her. Her father Sione played for Tonga and Newport; cousin Carwyn is with the Scarlets, and being a cousin of Taulupe Faletau no doubts has its perks.
But whilst Wales has boasted a new form animality, England is a different beast entirely. Stronger, faster, and reaping the benefits of a longer tenure of professionalism than Wales. If Wales want to find success this weekend, Tuipulotu, and the pack around her, will be the key.
The hosts may be buoyed by momentum, but the aggregate of their past two meetings totals 131 - 12 in England’s favour - include matches prior to Wales’ professionalism and the gap grows - is a harsh reminder of the gulf in quality that still exists, and likely will for some time.
And so the challenge for Wales will be to make this tie as competitive as possible. Doing so will show that the Anglo-French duopoly that has a stranglehold on this tournament has a shelf life.
Use it as a proving point for those higher-ups who, in the past, have kept the purse strings tight. For those such as the IRFU who actively work against the betterment of women’s rugby.
Most importantly, soak in cheers that’ll fill the Arms Park, and get used to it.
The Teams
Wales:
15 Courtney Keight, 14 Lisa Neumann, 13 Hannah Jones (C), 12 Hannah Bluck, 11 Lowri Norkett, 10 Elinor Snowsill, 9 Keira Bevan; 1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Kelsey Jones, 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4 Abbie Fleming, 5 Georgia Evans, 6 Bethan Lewis, 7 Alex Callender, 8 Sioned Harries
Replacements: 16 Carys Phillips, 17 Cara Hope, 18 Cerys Hale, 19 Natalia John, 20 Kate Williams, 21 Bryonie King, 22 Ffion Lewis, 23 Robyn Wilkins
England:
15 Emma Sing, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Lagi Tuima, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Abby Dow, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Zoe Aldcroft, 5 Cath O’Donnell, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 7 Marlie Packer (C), 8 Alex Matthews
Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Sarah Beckett, 21 Ella Wyrwas 22 Sarah McKenna, 23 Ellie Kildunne