Winless and woeful – Wales’ wooden spoon campaign

Pope Francis’ funeral – Wales’ Six Nations campaign was very eventful off the pitch, with TikTok dances, record-breaking crowds, traffic chaos, and fixture disruption.

On it, well, as a result, Wales once more came to an end to their campaign with a lot of disappointment and tears.

The team won the wooden spoon for the second consecutive year after Sunday’s defeat to Italy.

The Union had also appointed Dan Murphy as their temporary defense coach, who had previously been the Union’s three-time PWR champion.

It appeared as though Wales’ success was in order, and they were prepared to relive the highs of 2023 and establish themselves as the “best of the rest.”

However, what came after were disappointing performances, some of which Lynn himself called “unacceptable.”

There were plenty of workhorses but no weapons, so Wales simply didn’t show up.

And Lynn fired a warning shot over selection if anyone believed him to be a soft touch was mistaken.

Before Australia’s tour and the England-bound Rugby World Cup this summer, he will be interviewing players from the pathway.

“We will be looking for a change, and we will be working hard,” Lynn declared.

Under Ioan Cunningham’s rule, when Wales were focused solely on the forward’s strength, the backline was the ones who gave us the encouraging signs.

However, 35 tackles were missed, which left Wales’ defense looking weak.

Georgia Evans would prove herself as a powerhouse at number eight and emerge as one of the best tacklers and carriers as the tournament progressed, even though she had received two yellow cards.

Following that, the Red Roses helped to captivate a record-setting 186 spectators at Principality Stadium thanks to Grand Slam champions England.

We questioned whether Wales could commemorate their 10-year anniversary of their most recent victory over England with a repeat of that victory for 10 minutes as they took the lead.

England, however, ran in 11 tries in a 67-12 victory, with Wales only getting one break in the process.

Another 30 tackles must be added to the tally, which includes missed tackles, which was once again a major issue.

Despite the scoreline, the majority of Welsh players embraced the occasion, including Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, who joined England’s Sarah Bern in a live TikTok dance following the game.

Then, as a result of Lynn’s limited time, the tournament went through a fallow week.

However, when it came to going out for the game in Brive, time quickly turned into a drag.

The team didn’t leave until Friday, despite having a Saturday kickoff at lunchtime. They took a coach from Bordeaux to Brive in the morning before departing Bristol airport, but a road accident and rush-hour traffic prevented them from arriving at their hotel until late at night.

Wales’ stadium team ran-through was delayed, with the players having 13 hours of leg travel time.

Wales’ brave defense and a few tries for their efforts didn’t show in the first half, but French scores either side of the half-time whistle proved decisive.

Wales’ 42-12 scoreline isn’t necessarily a reflection of their performance, so it shouldn’t have left France disappointed.

Wales targeted Ireland while England and France were almost free agents.

It was a trip to Rodney Parade, but it wasn’t really their home, according to captain Hannah Jones, who would prefer Cardiff Arms Park as their permanent home.

Wales outperformed in every aspect of the pitch despite taking a late lead thanks to Carys Cox, one of the campaign’s bright sparks.

As they conceded 18 penalties and logged 28 more tackles, a typically trustworthy set-piece crumbled.

Due to Pope Francis’ funeral being held on Saturday, Wales had a day to prepare for Italy, but it was insignificant.

After a tight opening half, the Italians’ record 44-12 victory over Wales was alarming to see how easily they abandoned.

Lynn looked outraged following his first Test match, while Parma’s celebrations in 2023 seem to be distant memories.

Former players also didn’t hold back, as the criticism of the post-match didn’t end with Lynn.

Sioned Harries, the former number eight, described it as “extremely disappointing.”

She said, “I can’t imagine how frustrated they (the players) are,” and that she is frustrated with them.

“I believe that people must examine themselves.” Conversations with Sean Lynn will have to be difficult and open-minded.

“I’m trying to answer the question: Are some players capable of playing professionally?” These discussions must occur.

Former Flyer Elinor Snowsill meanwhile urged fans to display patience.

Sean Lynn “couldn’t have a magic wand,” she said, noting that he couldn’t change things in a single campaign.

He now has the motivation to make adjustments, despite the fact that this is a long-term development plan.

There is simply not enough competition for spots because we lack depth.

The second half was very difficult to watch. It is in stark contrast to Wales’ situation two years ago.

The loss to Italy was a “dark day for Welsh rugby,” according to former captain Siwan Lillicrap.

This Six Nations campaign has suffered five straight defeats. This squad doesn’t want to be where they are, she said.

Before returning for pre-season duty in the first week of June, Wales’ players and staff will have a short break.

As part of their World Cup preparations, they will then travel to Australia in Brisbane on July 26 and again in Sydney a week later.

Wales have less than four months to transition from a wooden spoon side to World Cup hopefuls because their opener will be against Scotland once more on August 23.

Although it’s difficult, Lynn is a man who dislikes losing.

He said, “I coached the university men at Gloucester-Hartpury,” and it was the third time we had suffered seven straight losses. However, we turned things around and won the championship.

“I’ve been there, and it’s all about everyone coming together in these difficult circumstances.”