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Fans have their say as Wales dwell on possible Twickenham move
By Josh Raisey
The idea of Wales playing their home matches at Twickenham is one that would make much of the Welsh public recoil in disgust under normal circumstances. But in such unique times, a move that would have previously been anathema to so many is now being welcomed.
The Principality Stadium is currently serving as the Dragon’s Heart Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic and is expected to continue throughout the autumn when Test rugby is set to resume.
With no other alternative in Wales coming close to Twickenham’s capacity, this is a move that many in Wales recognise as crucial in the financial climate.
The income from hosting a match at Twickenham - albeit not at full capacity - would be fundamental in helping the Welsh Rugby Union in a year where huge losses are expected. Likewise, the Rugby Football Union will also benefit from this move.
This makes a lot of sense economically for both unions, although it is a cultural hurdle that many are struggling to overcome. While there are smaller stadiums in Wales that will be available, many recognise that maximising profit is paramount.
It has also been suggested on social media that the WRU could utilise another stadium in England rather than the home of their bitterest rugby rivals, with Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium being suggested.
This would not be the first time Wales used Wembley, having played there when the Principality Stadium was being built in 1999. However, there are logistical issues with moving to a football stadium, particularly as all sports have been disrupted during the pandemic.
As it stands, it is believed that Wayne Pivac’s side will play their final Six Nations match against Scotland at the London Stadium before moving to Twickenham for this new-look eight-team competition that is in the works.
There are objectors to this idea, and understandably so, but it is perhaps a measure of the current situation that there are so many open to this move from Wales.
Really frustrates me that people can be so narrow minded. Would they rather Wales not play? Would they be able to play at Twickenham though as they are limited to the number of matches due to residents
— Daniel Evans (@dre2807) July 14, 2020
Although I would not relish the thought of watching Wales play home games at Twickenham it makes perfect economic sense. With a £50m shortfall the WRU have to generate as much income as possible so yes I agree.
— MikePop (@MikePop94819658) July 14, 2020
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"I wasn't after conjecture/opinion thanks. Just a list. I guess I have to look myself now (I just want to read data atm)."
I literally listed all the games under Borthwick where Marcus has started at 10. Do you want me to apologise for telling you who won those games?
"you suggested they didn't use him and used a different setup instead"
I suggested switching out Marcus for Fin. I didn't suggest that that would require other changes elsewhere in the team. My entire argument has been that Fin would better suit the strengths of the rest of the team, and allow England to play an attacking gameplan that (i) comes naturally to the players, and (ii) has worked well for them in the recent past.
"Oh right, so the side is starting to play better with him?"
No, its playing much much worse. In 2022 England didn't lose 5 consecutive games. In 2022 England beat Australia in Australia. In 2021 Marcus Smith helped England beat South Africa. That was the best England have ever looked with Marcus at 10, and its been downhill since then.
"I'd like to see it continue now and see how good a Marcus side could get"
We know the answer to that. Marcus Smith was England's starting flyhalf for 21 months from mid 2021 to the start of 2023, and they went from 3rd in the world to 6th in the world. He's a good club player, but his club performances haven't improved since then, so there's no reason to think there'll be a different outcome this time, and so far there hasn't been. This summer he came into a good (but not great) England team who seemed like they were on the up, and performances have got worse almost every week since.
Go to commentsYes he’s playing well and should be a viable option now because of this at 13 for the ABs
IMO a little slow to turn on D but perhaps that has improved
Defence is a massive part of test midfield partnerships these days and whilst they polarise (both or one of them) Jor-ko lets little through - put it this way how many midfielders score through them?
Rieko is suffering on distribution but my his scramble D is incredible
It’s another reason why Proctor should be slowly persevered
He could skinned twice by Riley for Japan
Anyway I look forward to seeing Leicester back in black!
He played great in the World Cup quarterfinal then didn’t make the team in the final!!
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