Wales RL prepare for one of their biggest ever games
Come on Wales
By Chris O'Brien
October 23 2010
Wales rugby league play their biggest game in years on Saturday afternoon as they travel to France for the unofficial final of this year’s European Cup. While retaining the silverware would be fantastic for Iestyn Harris’ men, the real prize is a place in next year’s Four Nations alongside Australia, England and New Zealand. That could really put the sport back on the map in the Principality.
One of the biggest games in Welsh RL history gets underway in Albi at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Wales are eighty minutes and one victory away from joining the ranks or rugby league’s elite in next season’s Four Nations.
Elliot Kear returns to the Welsh squad for the fixture, replacing records cap-holder Ian Watson.
Favourites France only need a draw to win the European Cup, whilst Wales must hope they improve on last weekend’s performance.
Wales were below-par at the Gnoll but, thanks to Lee Briers’ drop-goal, ultimately bagged a 31-30 victory. That followed up a convincing win over Scotland – but the real test will be in France on Saturday afternoon.
Rugby league has made tremendous strides across Wales in recent years. The birth of the Celtic Crusaders and their rapid rise to Super League, followed by the arrival of the South Wales Scorpions as helped put the sport back on the map.
However, playing England, Australia and New Zealand at international level next season would help take the sport to the next level. Wales face a huge ask in France – but victory would be massive for the nation and massive for rugby league.
In the build-up to the game, French skipper Oliver Elima said: "It is obviously an extremely important game for France and French Rugby League, we all feel this."
France have had every game at home during the Four Nations – an issue which influential Welsh star Gareth Thomas rightly questions, but he adds: the chance of playing against England, New Zealand and Australia is mouth-watering as a player and it'd do wonders for Rugby League in Wales. Going there will make for a fiery encounter."
A French win is four to one on with the books, while Wales are priced at three to one against.