France vs Wales - thoughts and feelings

[welshmagpie]

Similar to my Wales vs Jamaica topic, that was well received, I was involved in the Wales/France game yesterday so again… here’s my tuppence worth:

-

Arrived early at the ground as I like to do, though involved in the Welsh staff I stayed at a seperate hotel due to logistical reasons of seperate flights and other work commitments.

My taxi driver wasn’t exactly a treiziste but was aware of the sport and spoke positively about Catalans Dragons and the impact they have on the local economy. He was of Algerian descent and said he follows football but felt rugby (XIII/XV) was more about people and family, things he valued.

I expected to have a wander around Saint Esteve pre game but upon arrival at the ground the place was already open and filling with people. The FFRXIII put on a pop up shop outside the ground so I picked a few bits up there. Into the ground, I was instantly approached by two gentlemen in Catalans gear. Between my OK French and their OK English we had a good chat about rugby league, the games being played but also Magic Weekend - Cardiff seemed a popular venue for them both. “Beaucoup des pubs!”

I wandered around the ground for a bit, it’s a lovely set up with bars in both corners and two suitably sized stands. The Pyrenees could be seen just about in the distance. I grabbed some food from the side of the main stand - delightful chicken and chips! Highly recommended if you’re ever at a Saint Esteve game or similar.

Soon enough the team buses arrived and the ground filled further. Away from my usual role I was asked to run the water for Wales due to the absence of John Kear and Joel Fulford and injury to Max Clarke. The Welsh squad and organisation are ego-free, a fantastic bunch who treat everybody with respect and integrity. This was seen in abundance with younger players serving as mascots and ball boys in and around the changing rooms. One of the Welsh squad is high-functioning autistic and the way the boys engage with him is spot on in every sense. 

Due to the ‘dugout buzz’ it was hard to take in much of the game as a spectator. It was physical and despite a gallant start, Wales were simply zapped from their midweek exploits. The Super League class of Fages, Tison and Rouge et al soon began to show and the game quickly disappeared as a contest. 

Wales felt hard done by this week in terms of rules and regulations in the tournament that they felt were bent slightly in parts but it was never used as an excuse. Experienced voices of Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams, Matty Fozard and Ant Walker regularly reminded the squad of this. “Next job. Positive minds” was a buzz phrase throughout the 80 mins.

At half time the boys were left to their own devices in the sheds with Mark Moxon’s words of encouragement. Moko is another fantastic bloke in our game - inclusive, welcoming and hardworking. I’ve not a bad word to say about him or any of the other Welsh staff. 
 

A few Ukrainian players entered the field during half time to snuff out their surroundings. I had a chat with a few of their Australian contingent who were so visibly proud and honoured for their opportunity. It appears however we’ve still got many walls to break down. As a whole their eyes have been opened in the past few weeks. “I never knew any of this happened, mate!” … “It’s crazy that Wales do rugby league. How good, mate!” - of course they’re not to blame. The powers that be need to do more to put tier-two international RL on a higher and greater pedestal. 

A special mention to Castleford academy player Sam Grice who debuted in the second half. He never once looked afraid or out of place and two a fair few hit ups with vigour and strength. After the game a special cap presentation was made to him with his parents present in the changing rooms. His mum visibly moved by the occasion - once again international rugby league proving its worth and power.

Ant Walker will get a special mention from me. A hugely likeable and humourous character - a firm and physical competitor but never afraid of a joke or two to lighten the mood. 

I’d hazard a crowd of around 1,500-2,000 which was somewhat disappointing given it was expected the game would be played originally at Catalans ground but hey, this is rugby league after all! It’s never so straightforward is it? Those who did attend were entertained and positive. A healthy mixture of all generations in the crowd. 

The crowd fast dwindled by the second half of the Serbia/Ukraine game. Nick Cotric many heads and shoulders above all other players on show. Around 50 Ukrainians were in the crowd - very vocal and passionate! A small sea of yellow and blue! It was heartwarming to see their positivity and energy given all they’ve endured - the real winners of this tournament.

Upon leaving I spoke with the partner and children of one of Ukraine’s Australian players - they were travelling Europe after the game and commended the European culture as something special and unique. The ability to travel between cultures so quickly was a real draw for them. It turned out the wife/girlfriend had Welsh heritage herself which made for a fascinating conversation. 

Eloi Pelissier remained in the ground and was popular for photos and conversations even by the time I’d departed as had the remainder of the Wales and France group. 

France proceed and will do so with confidence. Their seems to be a feeling they’ll host the World Series next year. I hope they learn a few organisational lessons from this year - though the matchday itself ran smoothly without much hiccup. It’s the things away from matchdays that need firming up and greater transparency. 

Wales will be back again, lessons learned, experiences gained. A poor end to an otherwise positive camp to end the year. Questions must be asked about the length of the season. The boys love turning up for Wales but had nothing left to give at around the 65 minute mark.

The staff radio/intercom buzzed with words from the physio: “They’re all pretty f***ed!” around the hour mark. For the sake of player welfare something needs to give and I don’t wish it to be internationals. Matty Fozard told me post game that was he was encroaching 40 games for the 2024 season - madness!

[Barley Mow]

Another enjoyable read, thanks for that. Interesting to get a bit of a behind the scenes perspective as well, rather than from the stands.

Surprised to lean John Kear wasn't there with it being Wales' only chance to make the next world cup.

[gingerjon]

3 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

Another enjoyable read, thanks for that. Interesting to get a bit of a behind the scenes perspective as well, rather than from the stands.

Surprised to lean John Kear wasn't there with it being Wales' only chance to make the next world cup.

Medical advice. He'd been in hospital earlier in the week.

[StandOffHalf]

Thank you, @welshmagpie!

I'm sorry that things didn't go a little better for Wales yesterday. Good on all the players and support staff such as yourself.

[gogledd]

Thanks @welshmagpie...I'll add my few euros worth.....

 

Just arrived back from my 6 nights in France. I went to the both sets of games in Carcassonne and Perpignan. I stayed in Carcassonne which made for a very long day of travelling to and from Perpignan and I'd try to do that a bit differently if I had to do it again.

I've been to Carcassonne a few times previously so I was used to the city and the people, and it was good to get reacquainted with the pubs and restaurants. Yesterday we met up with old friends from Catalans Dragons and visited what was a new ground for us in St. Esteve...I was a bit surprised at how poor the playing surface was...I've played Masters RL on better pitches in north west England!; it was a poor ground for a World Cup qualifier and I think the French governing body own more respect to the players and the competition.

The people there were great and the French fans were very welcoming.

A few days now needed to get my liver functioning properly again!

[DoubleD]

9 hours ago, welshmagpie said:

Similar to my Wales vs Jamaica topic, that was well received, I was involved in the Wales/France game yesterday so again… here’s my tuppence worth:

-

Arrived early at the ground as I like to do, though involved in the Welsh staff I stayed at a seperate hotel due to logistical reasons of seperate flights and other work commitments.

My taxi driver wasn’t exactly a treiziste but was aware of the sport and spoke positively about Catalans Dragons and the impact they have on the local economy. He was of Algerian descent and said he follows football but felt rugby (XIII/XV) was more about people and family, things he valued.

I expected to have a wander around Saint Esteve pre game but upon arrival at the ground the place was already open and filling with people. The FFRXIII put on a pop up shop outside the ground so I picked a few bits up there. Into the ground, I was instantly approached by two gentlemen in Catalans gear. Between my OK French and their OK English we had a good chat about rugby league, the games being played but also Magic Weekend - Cardiff seemed a popular venue for them both. “Beaucoup des pubs!”

I wandered around the ground for a bit, it’s a lovely set up with bars in both corners and two suitably sized stands. The Pyrenees could be seen just about in the distance. I grabbed some food from the side of the main stand - delightful chicken and chips! Highly recommended if you’re ever at a Saint Esteve game or similar.

Soon enough the team buses arrived and the ground filled further. Away from my usual role I was asked to run the water for Wales due to the absence of John Kear and Joel Fulford and injury to Max Clarke. The Welsh squad and organisation are ego-free, a fantastic bunch who treat everybody with respect and integrity. This was seen in abundance with younger players serving as mascots and ball boys in and around the changing rooms. One of the Welsh squad is high-functioning autistic and the way the boys engage with him is spot on in every sense. 

Due to the ‘dugout buzz’ it was hard to take in much of the game as a spectator. It was physical and despite a gallant start, Wales were simply zapped from their midweek exploits. The Super League class of Fages, Tison and Rouge et al soon began to show and the game quickly disappeared as a contest. 

Wales felt hard done by this week in terms of rules and regulations in the tournament that they felt were bent slightly in parts but it was never used as an excuse. Experienced voices of Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams, Matty Fozard and Ant Walker regularly reminded the squad of this. “Next job. Positive minds” was a buzz phrase throughout the 80 mins.

At half time the boys were left to their own devices in the sheds with Mark Moxon’s words of encouragement. Moko is another fantastic bloke in our game - inclusive, welcoming and hardworking. I’ve not a bad word to say about him or any of the other Welsh staff. 
 

A few Ukrainian players entered the field during half time to snuff out their surroundings. I had a chat with a few of their Australian contingent who were so visibly proud and honoured for their opportunity. It appears however we’ve still got many walls to break down. As a whole their eyes have been opened in the past few weeks. “I never knew any of this happened, mate!” … “It’s crazy that Wales do rugby league. How good, mate!” - of course they’re not to blame. The powers that be need to do more to put tier-two international RL on a higher and greater pedestal. 

A special mention to Castleford academy player Sam Grice who debuted in the second half. He never once looked afraid or out of place and two a fair few hit ups with vigour and strength. After the game a special cap presentation was made to him with his parents present in the changing rooms. His mum visibly moved by the occasion - once again international rugby league proving its worth and power.

Ant Walker will get a special mention from me. A hugely likeable and humourous character - a firm and physical competitor but never afraid of a joke or two to lighten the mood. 

I’d hazard a crowd of around 1,500-2,000 which was somewhat disappointing given it was expected the game would be played originally at Catalans ground but hey, this is rugby league after all! It’s never so straightforward is it? Those who did attend were entertained and positive. A healthy mixture of all generations in the crowd. 

The crowd fast dwindled by the second half of the Serbia/Ukraine game. Nick Cotric many heads and shoulders above all other players on show. Around 50 Ukrainians were in the crowd - very vocal and passionate! A small sea of yellow and blue! It was heartwarming to see their positivity and energy given all they’ve endured - the real winners of this tournament.

Upon leaving I spoke with the partner and children of one of Ukraine’s Australian players - they were travelling Europe after the game and commended the European culture as something special and unique. The ability to travel between cultures so quickly was a real draw for them. It turned out the wife/girlfriend had Welsh heritage herself which made for a fascinating conversation. 

Eloi Pelissier remained in the ground and was popular for photos and conversations even by the time I’d departed as had the remainder of the Wales and France group. 

France proceed and will do so with confidence. Their seems to be a feeling they’ll host the World Series next year. I hope they learn a few organisational lessons from this year - though the matchday itself ran smoothly without much hiccup. It’s the things away from matchdays that need firming up and greater transparency. 

Wales will be back again, lessons learned, experiences gained. A poor end to an otherwise positive camp to end the year. Questions must be asked about the length of the season. The boys love turning up for Wales but had nothing left to give at around the 65 minute mark.

The staff radio/intercom buzzed with words from the physio: “They’re all pretty f***ed!” around the hour mark. For the sake of player welfare something needs to give and I don’t wish it to be internationals. Matty Fozard told me post game that was he was encroaching 40 games for the 2024 season - madness!

The Welsh players likely had nothing left to give after 65 minutes because they are part time players playing against predominantly full time players