Wales Rugby - The Roar of the Dragon
For many fans, Wales is the spiritual home of rugby. If you need proof, head to Cardiff for an international weekend. Nothing in the sporting calendar will prepare you for the sense of excitement and national expectation, but you’ll hear it in a wave of sound as 75,000 fans and 23 players join in a chorus of “Land of Our Fathers”. No wonder the rugby has an energy and intensity that’s rarely matched. Start checking out your options for Wales Rugby Union Tickets at StubHub!
Wales and rugby union – a story of pride and tradition
Many of Welsh rugby’s greatest moments were made at Cardiff Arms Park, which was the home of the national team for decades. However, the Millennium Stadium has inherited the atmosphere and many of the traditions. Expect an appearance by the regimental band of the Royal Welsh – led by their goat mascot! – and morale-raising songs like “Cwm Rhondda” or “Hymns and Arias” – a link between the national team and clubs around the country.
Names like Barry John, JPR Williams and Gareth Edwards are forever associated with a golden age of Welsh rugby. The national side dominated the sport in the 1970s, and are memorable as much for their impressive records – such as their hat-trick of Triple Crowns – as for their style. Their beautiful back-play, all instinct and adventure, anticipated the modern offloading game. Later winning teams have followed in their flying footsteps while adding a steely defence. In 2008 Wales claimed a second Grand Slam in four years, with just two tries conceded in five games and an outstanding series of performances by Shane Williams, who set an all-time scoring record with 41 tries.
Great encounters
Following the national team has often meant enduring nail-biting finishes, and there’s been heartbreak along with the success. Wales were edged out of the 2015 World Cup in a gripping quarter-final against South Africa, despite tenacious defence led by a back row of Faletau, Warburton and Lydiate, and commanding kicking from hand and off the tee by fly-half Dan Biggar.
For many fans, the defining win of recent times has been the 21-18 triumph against an Australian team looking for a clean sweep of tour wins. Cooper’s long, looping pass into Williams’s arms, and a fine finish by the electrifying Lee Byrne, continue to live in the memory of those who were there.
Similar rugby teams
Looking to make more great rugby memories? Watching the all-star Barbarians is a must for any true fan of the game. Or follow Wales’s great rivals to Twickenham for an England match.
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