Forums such as Rugby Rebels and Gwlad are, yet again, awash with people talking about the Haka. should it be done? Should Wales be allowed to respond how they like? Should we just tell them to stop prancing around like sissys? Is it good theatre? Should grown men really stick their tongues out.

So to put such thoughts into perspective, and because I can’t be bothered to come up with a serious post about it, I have collected a bunch of ‘quality’ haka videos. By which I of course mean funny haka videos. Should put us in the right frame of mind for watching some men stick their tongues out to us on the weekend.

But before we get to the funny let us remind ourselves of last years haka. Trust me when I say I have never, in all my life, felt an atmosphere like that which was in the Millenium Stadium when this happened.

Funny Haka Videos

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Other players with Welsh rugby hopes include Martyn Roberts the scrum half, who with Mike Phillips injured, Dwayne Peel potentially unavailable for the New Zealand game and the poor form of Gareth Cooper must certainly be in the thoughts of the Welsh coaches.  Dan Evans at fullback is also in the running to replace the injured Lee Byrne (along with anyone who has ever played fullback if you listen to the regional coaches).

Obviously Stephen Jones and Matthew Rees are all but nailed on for the Welsh squad but others have it all to play for in this great Welsh derby – Sacrlets vs Dragons.

Llanelli Scarlets team to face the Dragons

Daniel Evans; Lee Williams, Sean Lamont, Rob Higgitt, Mark Jones (capt); Stephen Jones, Martin Roberts; Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees, Deacon Manu, Lou Reed, Dominic Day, Simon Easterby, Dafydd Jones, David Lyons.
Replacements: Phil John, Ken Owens, Vernon Cooper, Richie Pugh, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Maule.

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The foot injury, whilst not as serious as some were suggesting, has ruled him out for 8 weeks – 6 of which will see him in plaster. As one of the worlds best full backs and a rock at the back for both the Ospreys and Wales he will be sorely missed.

“Lee was reviewed by a specialist last night, and he had a scan which has revealed ligament damage in his right foot.

“The problem is a fairly subtle issue, however, with the nature of the ligaments involved, there is no quick fix and to rush him back would be counter productive in the long term.

“He is essentially looking at a period of rest, in plaster, for approximately six weeks, followed by a period of rehabilitation to get him up and running and back on the field.

Lee Byrne’s Replacement?

Worrying to is the question of who will replace him. There is a lack of experienced back up at full back available, with Gavin Henson off indefinitely and Morgan Stoddart injured (although realistically having him missing is not the biggest loss with big question marks still over his defence).

So who does that leave? Well relatively experienced (despite his age) Welsh and Lions man Jamie Roberts started off his career as a 15 and was seen by many to be the natural successor to Byrne until Gatlands very successful experiment at moving him to inside center. With James Hook stepping up to the mark at inside center for the Ospreys this season it could be a way of getting our best players on the park – but moving one of the most potent weapons in the Welsh backline seems a tad counter productive.

James Hook can also play there, having started at 15 in the same test that Jamie Roberts was trialled as a center (vs South Africa). He also filled in there for the Ospreys last week when Byrne went off injured, but he lacks game time and experience as the last man.

Who else? Well top of the list is probably Scarlets full back Dan Evans. He got capped on the Welsh tour to North America this year and has been in exceptional form for a hit and miss Scarlet side. he has been many peoples tip to be this years ‘Halfpenny’, stepping up whilst relatively young. He certainly looks composed, has a kicking game and solid in defence. Would probably be my first choice.

Other options include two very talented players in Gareth Owen, the Ospreys utility back, and Jason Tovey, the Dragons 10/15. But both lack game time this season. Barry Davies also provides back up at the Ospreys and is certainly experienced, with a Welsh cap and having played abroad.

But for me it is a question of blooding a youngster, and that looks best served as Dan Evans. Better to include a youngster in what will be a steady backline and build form a position of strength, than throw in an average performer like Barry Davies and hope that we can slowly develop some youngsters. If it were throwing them to the wolves then choose the seasoned campaigner, but we should be strong enough that we can allow a youngster a position, and Dan Evans looks to me to have all the ability needed to make the step up as a tested back up to Lee Byrne.

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So where does that leave us? With some plastic buckets. Or in other words, spin and asking the public to do the work for them whilst they look good.

Be Specific

So I ask the WRU, be specific. Tell us how much money you are giving to them, and how much above what you would be giving it is. don’t hide behind media speak and spin, tell us out right – especially as they are pushing the game as a way for Welsh rugby fans to attend the game to help out those in need.

Follow London Welsh’s lead and tell us how much you are giving from the game. London Welsh are giving 25% of their next games ticket money, as well as having a charity rugby game and a raffle. What are the WRU doing?

Do more

Are plastic buckets enough? It is all well and good talking about how we can help as the public, and some wishy washy talk about them helping, but we can do more. If rugby wants to help clean up its image following things like bloodgate or John Hayes stamping then it needs to show how rugby is a family, how we look after our own.

Heavens Game is calling for the big nations and the British Lions to tour Samoa, bringing vital tourist dollars to the stricken nation, and that is a view I agree with.  The tickets and the money the tourists bring in can really help the area, an area we will be in when touring New Zealand anyway.

If not what about an exhibition game, or games, between some big nations?  New Zealand and Australia have met in other places previously, such as Hong Kong.  What about having a Wales vs Australia exhibition game, either at one of the countries or abroad somewhere (must be somewhere where they can sell a number of tickets at a decent price).  That would show how much rugby cares.

Even the WRU could help by simply promising the ticket money from the game to the relief funds.  Such a gesture would certainly get me going along (currently I am only going to the New Zealand and Australia games) and I bet it would bring a lot more fans along to the game.

London Welsh are trying to help, the WRU are just giving us spin.  Be specific, let us know what you are doing without the media speak.  Show that rugby cares, that in the world of professionalism there is still room for rugby being able to look after its own.

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