THE RIVALRY between Wales and England goes back to the day Saxons first landed on the east coast and forced the Celts westwards. This was enforced by the various English Kings that slaughtered Welsh women and children and then done the same in Scotland. The English governments tried to eradicate the Welsh language with the “Welsh Not” beatings. Now today’s rivalry is done on the pitch and not on the battle fields.

Phil Bennett’s pre-game pep talk before facing England: “Look what these b******s have done to Wales. They’ve taken our coal, our water, our steel. They buy our homes and live in them for a fortnight every year. What have they given us? Absolutely nothing. We’ve been exploited, raped, controlled and punished by the English – and that’s who you are playing this afternoon”.

Andrew Nutt Heolddu Road Bargoed