Scotland and Wales lose first two opening games

from Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (8.11.2009)

Scotland and Wales will almost certainly not be joining England at next year’s World Cup in New Delhi.

Both home countries lost twice on the first two days of their 6 nation World Cup qualifier here in cold fierce winds and will need a miracle to even make next week-end’s final from which only the winner will go forward.

On the evidence of the first 24 hours, that country will be hosts and favourites New Zealand. The Black Sticks beat Wales 6-2 on Saturday and then majestically disposed of Scotland 8-0 yesterday.

Yet both home nations should have come away with points from their other games against countries ranked much higher than themselves.

Scotland were a goal up against China who had arrived just 24 hours before the game which was played in gale force winds. Stephen Dick snatched a chance inside four minutes but Scotland wasted too many other chances and lost that game 2-1.

Wales were dominant in their second game but also lost 2-1 - to a Malaysian side clearly unhappy in the inclement conditions. The Malaysians were listless. Sloppy passing out of defence by the Scots presented Malaysia with a goal at the beginning and end of the first half.

Rick Gay (East Grinstead) who converted two corners impressively against New Zealand, was not so convincing against Malaysia but finally broke through in the 51st minute.

Wales whose players had paid for themselves to participate, were clearly short of match practice and just could not capitalize on their superiority.

copy for Daily Telegraph 9.11.2009