Scotland looking to end Wales' Grand Slam hopes

February 28, 2005

Scotland looking to end Wales' Grand Slam hopes

Posted by Editor on February 28, 2005 03:49 PM | 12 comments | Print | E-mail author

Dan Parks hopes Scotland can build on Saturday's win over Italy

Dan Parks hopes Saturday's victory over Italy will help Scotland destroy Wales' Grand Slam dreams.

Matt Williams side had their first taste of Six Nations Championship success in eight attempts with an ugly 18-10 victory over Italy on Saturday.

Dan believes restoring confidence was more important than putting on a show and now feels a huge weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

Wales are the next nation in town in a fortnight's time and are looking to continue their Grand Slam glory bid but Dan thinks Scots can throw a spanner in the works.

"We definitely got a bit anxious beforehand just because we haven't won at Murrayfield for a while," said Dan.

"We knew that we needed to win to get the fans back behind us. With this victory that has happened now.

"We definitely improved on the Ireland game and to get a result at this stage is great for the country.

"It is such a relief and now we can go into our next games with the pressure off and with confidence of more success.

"With Wales doing so well it was important to get a win and now the pressure's off us and we will improve again.

"You have to have the belief that you can beat them and this victory will give us a lot of confidence.

"It was nice to get a win. We knew that it didn't need to be pretty. It was just about getting the win because we knew the confidence would come back after that.

"We just needed the win more than anything else. It has been very tough for all of us and that's why it was so important to get the win no matter what.

"You could sense that it has been quite nervous in training but I think you will see that tension lift from us now. Once you taste success you are going to get confidence from it and then you will crave more.

"You need a bit of luck in this championship and in France those things went against us but we are looking forward to building on this and it won't be easy for Wales."

Posted by Highlandbrave75 on February 28, 2005 04:24 PM | Reply to this comment

Sorry Dan but have you been at the Matt Williams school of interview technique?

Quote 1: "We definitely improved on the Ireland game and to get a result at this stage is great for the country."

Quote 2: "We knew that we needed to win to get the fans back behind us. With this victory that has happened now."

I'm almost speechless!

Posted by Big G on February 28, 2005 04:53 PM | Reply to this comment

Whats Dan been smoking?? quite incredible....dream on if you think we can beat the welsh, we struggled to beat the Italians and cast your mind back to what the welsh did to the Italians....a good thrashing is in prospect.

Posted by Euan on February 28, 2005 05:54 PM | Reply to this comment

What would you rather he said?? "There's no way we're going to beat wales, they're way too good and we're crap. In fact folks, don't bother to turn up, it'll just be a miserable day out and the SRU don't need the cash anyway."

Really, dammed if you do, dammed if you don't. It was an improved performance because they won. End of.

Do I think they'll beat wales? No
Did I think they'd beat England in 2000? No
Did I think they'd beat Ireland in 2001? No
Did I think they'd beat South Africa in 2002? No
Did the players think they'd win the above matches? Yes
Do I hope they'll beat wales? Yes
Do I expect the players I'm paying to see have belief in themselves and the possibility, however slim, that thy can get a result? Most definately YES.

Posted by hugues on February 28, 2005 04:46 PM | Reply to this comment

We hope it won't be easy for Wales.
I was in Stade de France last saturday, the level and the intensity were very high.
Anyway i'm very happy for Scotland about the win, the match was a wee bit poor, maybe the fault to the pitch.
The defence still struggle around the rolling mauls (i hope Willie has got some videos to watch oh sorry "it's about a lack of concentration from the players"...)
Fortunately the welsh don't use it a lot, but they play a great game.
I don't think the scots can destroy Wales' Grand Slam dreams.

Posted by Gary IPA on February 28, 2005 05:46 PM | Reply to this comment

In a guess the score comp on "Gwlad" of the 40 odd posts I dont think any one has Wales winning by less than 15 pts, except me that is I am the only one who has scotland win (you don't have to guess the score with that)

Posted by Alan on February 28, 2005 06:26 PM | Reply to this comment

Why do we have to decide we are going to lose all the time ..just so negative about everything and then criticise players when they are positive and show some belief in themselves again? What's the point in being a supporter if you want to write them off just because Wales are playing well. We have great players there too (yes, even Dan!!). There is always a chance and the players confidence is crucial. I just think the constant slamming of them by their own support is poor.

Posted by hugues on February 28, 2005 06:49 PM | Reply to this comment

You're right about the support...
I support Scotland all the time even they have bad times and we have to support the team.
In an other hand, we can give our opinions when there are some mistakes even you think i'm daft.
The coaches have the duty to support their team YES or NO????
One example:
When Scotland lost heavily against Ireland.
From MW at the after match interview, about the irish rolling mauls.
"A lack of concentration from the players".
I tell you, AT LEAST HE COULD SAY, WE HAVE TO WORK ON THAT PART OF THA GAME.
A coach has to defend the guys front of the press, and take a BIT of responsibility, ok i stop now,

COME ON SCOTLAND

Posted by Boxing Kangaroo on March 3, 2005 06:53 AM | Reply to this comment

With negative comments such as we've read with this lot, no wonder the men commence each game with a handicap. Those wearing the black hats should just go and support the Welsh and the Irish and flutter their flags whilst their at it.

Posted by Envy on March 3, 2005 04:26 PM | Reply to this comment

You see negativity. I see positivity. At least we are aware how pish the team is right now. Makes the difference.

Posted by Boxing Kangaroo on March 4, 2005 06:43 AM | Reply to this comment

Blind Freddy knows the men are struggling, but bagging them week after week won't help. Everyone connected with Scottish Rugby is trying. When Scotland put it together, they won't want any of the knockers patting their backs. They'll want them to go to buggery. who knocked them

Posted by Highlandbrave75 on March 4, 2005 02:11 PM | Reply to this comment

Credit where credit's due, slamming when slaming's due.

Although I have more of a problem with the "higher beings" at the SRU failing the Scottish fans, of all levels, with the on and off field problems at the moment. Lies and spin being the order of the day.

Too many problems to write at one sitting but perhaps if the "higher beings" came out and told the average Scottish punter what was really going on regards team selection, player contracts, pro sides etc. then alot of those people would be more inclined to be a little more supportive and not have to put up with the constant diet of spin which seems to be floating from SRU Central office currently.

Let's not forget that these punters are pumping cash into the SRU sweetie jar in the merchendising sales and ticket sales. Something alot of the SRU figures seem to be forgetting!

Posted by funky on March 20, 2005 07:23 PM | Reply to this comment

Hey boys, some interesting view points in this forum. Whatever you do, don't be disheartened, remember the 6 nations 2003? Wales lost every game in that tournament, they went to Australia for the world cup and finished in the quarter finals, almost beat even New Zealand and England!
What I'm saying is Scotland have had a few tough seasons, Wales had 20 tough seasons! I know, I'm welsh. Our winning the grand slam shows just how quickly a team can build and come together to acheive success. As a fellow Celt, I wish you all every success for the future. Carl