The Welsh Way (Home)

The only problem with the underdog winning is that somebody always pays the price.

Fiji made a mockery of the 20-point start handed to them by most bookmakers, to record a famous 38-34 victory over Wales on Saturday, in the shock of the Tournament so far.

For Fiji - A place in the last eight, and hopefully some long-overdue recognition.

For Wales - An all-too familiar game of coaching musical chairs.

In a knee-jerk reaction which is sadly par-for-the-course for WRU heirarchy, the services of Coach Gareth Jenkins are no longer required. Lets face it, few can say they didn't see it coming.

Jenkins' plight had a lot in common with that of Brian Ashton. Both left to carry the can, not only for the performances of their respective teams, but also the downright failure of the systems put in place by the Home Nations. Unfortunately for Jenkins, few have shown him any support whatsoever. Nor was he afforded the luxury of matters improving on the field.

The Welsh are guilty of wanting too much. In reality, a Quarter-Final spot was the best they could hope for. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, and it wasn't as if they were guilty of a poor performance, they were simply outplayed.

Jenkins is the perfect scapegoat. Now roundly despised by the same members of the press who were hailing him as the 'Saviour of Welsh Rugby' just over a year ago. Short memories indeed.

The writing was on the wall shortly after the 62-5 thumping by England. A freak result which was treated as a National crisis. In a Country where Rugby is all-important, Jenkins was crushed by weight of expectation.

If there is a list of potential successors, it is likely to be quite small. The WRU have a fanciful notion that they still have the pulling power to attract top names from around the World. This isn't the case. In all reality, the most position will probably go to another Welshman.

Will he be granted the time needed? Or will he be judged strictly on impossible short term goals?

I know what my guess is...