Rugby

yeah- just shows that even at the elite level - running like a demented giraffe, knees-pumping, eyes bulging can make a difference

Just about recovered from that second half. Stress to the max. Shame about missing out on the BP at the end with that pesky leg being in the way.
Principality with the roof shut is an unrivalled venue for atmosphere. 10/10 will go to Wales again.

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I was at The Principality yesterday also, first time at a 6 Nations match.

I was surprised by the atmosphere, thought it was pretty sterile/flat but that might have been due to unreasonably raised expectations given the quality mayhem in the pubs and streets beforehand.

Match was a bit meh too - one team plays badly and gets battered in the first half so decides to pass the ‘bad baton’ to the other side for the second half and they reverse roles so didn’t really feel competitive.

Did enjoy the day out though, was just not expecting the rugby/atmosphere in the stadium to be the least interesting part!

I can understand that this view may be an outlier.

Should have been watching the football!

Sheffield would have been a bit of a trek but mixing it with the ultras on the Meadow End while Hereford beat Blyth Spartans 5-2 would have been just the ticket!

*wrong thread

All the points bar the quality Van Der Merwe ‘bend round the outside’ try were scored at the end I was sitting (“my end”, obviously) but I think I should watch the highlights of Wales-Scotland to see if I get a different perspective.

Ah yes, so to clarify; when I refer to atmosphere I mean the general sound when the roof there is shut. I agree in general, having been there a few times in the past that the Welsh were somewhat muted. But when they were singing the noise is just spectacular. The second half was 7/10 vs other experiences.
Quay street was raucous both before and after the match.

I think to echo the commentary from Finn Russell after the match, it was a win that you came away disappointed for what could have been if the first half (+3 mins of the second half) momentum continue.
Bonus point losses are lolz though when the winning team doesn't even make bonus..

For sound under a roof (and I promise not to detail further), this takes a lot of beating - the absolute crack of noise with a 140+mph serve is starling and then crowd noise from silent to loud to silence something else.

For atmosphere though I’ve never experienced better than Davis Cup in Glasgow - when they introduced Andy Murray to the court, swirling spotlights and all, I thought I might cry (I’m not a particular Murray fan), I’m getting flashback goosebumps just typing this. And it got properly electric when James Ward came back for two sets down to beat a far superior John Isner 17-15 in the fifth. Now, that was atmosphere.

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RIP Barry John

Just came here to say how tin eared my griping above sounds

Yeah- one the proper all time greats and what family festive 7s team that would have been with Derek Quinell, Scott and Craig and their godfather, Merv Davies!!

"Just off to chuck a ball around in the park..."

Amazing.

Quins/England have dropped the ball letting Lynagh go.

Big games this weekend...

Challenge Cup third round on Saturday!

Scotland robbed there. The ball was on the ground.

Grim.

France, you lucky fuckers

When they ask for conclusive evidence they never actually mean conclusive evidence. 999/1000 times that’s overturned

What the actual fuck

Cruel luck. But the kick tennis sitting on that 6 point lead was crazy against the French. Control what you can control and all that…

Anyone find that a bit weird? TMO sounded like he was about to give it then just as the ref was about to change his on-field decision he seemed to change his mind or get a shout from someone else.

Not taking the easy ,in front of goal penalty just before half time a bit of a mistake …

There were a couple of kickable pens, you’re right.

I think the pressure got to him