Warburton's Wales have created a revolution. Normally, contenders for the World Cup have a mixture of old heads and relatively young players who have managed to prove themselves to some standard on the international stage. What's so interesting about Wales, is that the average age is 25.6 years old. The majority of the starting line up is made up of players under this age. The fiery brilliance of youth is shining through, and the amount of passion that these young lads seem to be showing is what, i believe has taken them this far.
Such players as Rhys Priestland, George North and Leigh Halfpenny have started to stake their claim within the squad, despite being 24, 19 and 22 respectively. The Welsh team not only look startling on the pitch, but they seem to have developed such a passion for the game and their country that they, out of all the semi final teams look as if they want it the most. I think New Zealand losing their talisman Dan Carter will be a fatal blow, as although Richie McCaw can lead spectacularly from the front, I believe their desire to win is certainly out classed by the Welsh, and being the favourites for the tournament will have had a massive impact on their belief. France are too inconsistent to win the cup this year, although I believe that on their day, they can beat any team in the world. Australia are certainly in fine form, despite their loss to Ireland, but i still don't believe they've got the winning credentials and burning desire to win like the Welsh have amongst their ranks.
Sam Warburton, for me, has been the catalyst that has launched this concoction of youth, talent and fitness into the golden, glistening formula that has caused the Welsh to soar. His prowess on the field does the talking for him, and no one in the team works harder than the young Captain. His determination and desire has inspired him to not drink during the tournament, and supposedly hasn't had a drink since the last Six Nations tournament proves just how much the tournament means; a large contrast to the English efforts off the field.
The ice caves of Poland have to take some credit, as the players spent 3 minutes every day for a week inside -60 degrees celsius temperatures to improve fitness. The work rate and belief, combined with the outstanding results have created a force within Wales that mirrors that of the 2008 Grand Slam winning side, and is also showing signs of the golden era of Welsh Rugby: the 70's team.
Despite being the underdogs, I believe that Wales have a serious chance in becoming World Champions in New Zealand and defying all the odds. The work of the coaching staff, Warren Gatland and the team itself has surpassed all expectations, and it just proves that hard work gets results. The match against France will be the biggest of the player's lives to date: and i have no doubt that the passion and desire that is erupting and seething out of this young, powerful side will give them every hope of reaching the final and taking on one of the Big Boys to stake a claim in Rugby History.
