I live in Northern Ireland and am a big rugby fan I play a little and do the odd Triathlon in my spare time But my real problem is I cannot get over my all encompassing envy off all things Welsh. Are these wonderful people blessed with more talent than the rest of us or do they just train harder Its a mystery I'm afraid I will take to my grave.

i reckon a lot of it is in their head, i mean look at this place, they need these

all encompassing envy eh? its understandable ofcourse. Why dont you move here? pick up a bit of the lingo and in a few years time you might even be privilaged enough to consider yourself an honorary welshman...its just a matter of effort, whenever a foreigner comes to wales (just like in most countries) and picks up a few phrases (particularly if you learn to pronounce 'll') it will raise a warm smile from the sourest of faces
about the rugby...its true the welsh national side punches way above its weight for such a small population, it is indeed an Unexplained Mystery to many folk how the boys do it.
Ive been going to see the scarlets play since i was a nipper and for most folk here its the games against the Irish sides that produces the best atmospheres and performances from the teams.
To explain this Ancient Mystery...
It may be that rugby is our national sporting passion, whereas in many other countries football takes that place, and in ireland you have a host of gaelic heathen games to distract your talent from the true path of righteousness.

Here's a few goodies...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT9Hgi-YW0U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am8eVKQ5Pl0

perhaps there are a few hints in this one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF1zyJFRca8


mind you we've given away a few horror show tries too.

I am English, but my Father, God rest his soul, took the family every year to Wales... Although I live now in Madrid I am so grateful for the memories of my youth. He taught myself (and my three brothers) to speak a little Welsh - this is the early 1960's - and we had the times of our lives. The mountain treks, the extraordinary coastlines, especially the people, being called cariad and bach, everything seemed like magic.... I think these were times before the world turned sour, but they are the happiest memories I have.
Where are the true greats nowadays like J.P.R. - a "part-time" player, and in my opinion, the best ever.... Happy days

Come of it, your a taffy only a welsh man would think wales have a good rugby team, let me guess, you live in the Rhondda and your favourite song is Delilah

lol.lol.

This discussion is not relevant to ancient mysteries or alternative histories. I shall move it to a more appropriate section of this forum.

Its to do with our Outside Half Factory, dont you have one then?