Where Are Your Manners?

Now you can’t knock the Ospreys – oops I mean the ‘Welsh rugby team’. Even without Shane Williams and Gavin Henson (well his removal wouldn’t hurt the team!) the team are fantastic. After winning the Grand Slam last year they look set to win again this year after beating Scotland last week and England today 23-15. Despite England putting up quite a fight the likelihood of their winning was extremely lessened. The missing of penalties and conversions hugely contributed to their loosing. And why did they miss these kicks? Well a large part of the blame must go to the Welsh fans.

Any rugby fan will know that the game puts huge emphasis on fair play and respect for the other team. Knowing this, the fans are encouraged – well it’s expected that they keep their traps shut when someone is preparing to take a penalty or conversion so that the fly-half can mentally prepare for the kick. Watching today’s match I was infuriated by the Welsh fan’s blatant lack of respect. How dare they boo and hiss whilst poor Andy Goode and Toby Flood stand alone to take their penalty. I was at Twickenham last week for the England vs. Italy game and we were reminded on the big screen to show respect, so ignorance is no excuse. So in case they didn’t notice, we English were a lot more considerate for their players – i.e. we are a lot more courteous and have a huge deal more decency. And if you need it in more plain English – WE KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP

So maybe our rugby team need to take a few leaves out of the Welsh rugby team’s book, but the Welsh fans definitely need to order a copy of the English fan’s entire book!