The failure of the Welsh regions this season is in sharp contrast to the scene in Ireland, argues Robin Davey. Wasting golden opportunity has become a Welsh trait.
It’s not only on the national front where Wales have fallen down this season – it’s much the same when it comes to the domestic scene, too.
The Scarlets, though admittedly in a tough group, and the Dragons, both failed to get past the group stages of the European Champions and Challenge Cup, respectively.
But all was not lost, for the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues had a golden opportunity to put things right and go all the way to the semi-finals having at least made the last eight.
But, alarmingly, it was not to be. The Ospreys had even achieved a record in the qualifying stages of the Challenge competition, winning all their matches with a bonus point every time, a grand total of 30 points.
That gave them a home draw against Stade Francais, the French team having been in turmoil after an announcement they would combine with Racing, causing loads of players and staff to lose their jobs.
That was later rescinded, but it had caused considerable unrest all the same, on top of which French teams are hardly renowned for giving it everything on their travels in Europe.
And when it came to the actual match they had a player sent off, leaving an away success even more unlikely. But the Ospreys fluffed their lines and Stade came away with a notable victory, leaving the Ospreys and their fans stunned – especially after the way they had carried all before them in the pool stages.
Cardiff Blues were in an even better position in their quarter-final against Gloucester at Kingsholm, building up a useful lead and seemingly on their way to victory.
But, suddenly, they let that lead slip as Gloucester seized the initiative as the Blues defence fell apart. Tackles were missed and they slid to an almost embarrassing defeat.
To rub salt into the wounds, the much maligned Dragons had beaten both teams in European competition, and both away at that – Stade in France a few years back and Gloucester at Kingsholm at the same stage last season.
So there’s much licking of wounds to be done, and it’s brought even more into focus by the way Ireland’s big two, Leinster and Munster, have performed in Europe.
Both eased into the last four of the Champions Cup, though they were up against it, showing they are still European thoroughbreds.
Munster had been struggling this season and last with the retirement of a number of their top players like Paul O’Connell. But, remarkably, since the tragic death of their coach and former No.8 Anthony Foley they have been transformed.
They’ve hardly lost a game in either the Pro 12 or Europe since Foley’s untimely death as it has proved a real catalyst and brought the whole squad together in an amazing way.
So, the Champions Cup could well pass into Irish hands though Saracens, in particular, may have something to say about that.
Either way, it is now just one Welsh representative – the Dragons last year – in the semi-finals of a European competition over the last six seasons.
What with Wales finishing down in fifth place in the Six Nations and a European flop, it’s been a season to forget for Welsh rugby.
We now await the announcement of the Lions squad with some consolation to look forward to. Surely, we can celebrate the naming of Sam Warburton as captain for a second time.
