S4C programme captures final chapter of Wales’ World Cup dream
02 October 2007
An exclusive insight into the final chapter of Wales’ campaign in Rugby World Cup 2007 is provided in the fly-on-the-wall documentary, Gwesty Cymru on S4C on Thursday 4 October at 9pm.
The film crew lived with the team with their hopes high as they prepared for the crucial match with Fiji and left with them as they headed home following the shock of the narrow defeat by only four points in Nantes.
“It’s a programme of contrast,” says producer, Russell Isaac. “We have exclusive pictures of Wales’ last moments in the tournament, Gareth Thomas’s courageous battle to be fit for his 100th cap, Wales’ final moments with Gareth Jenkins in charge and then the reaction to the game.”
Gwesty Cymru will have exclusive access to the developments that led up to the disappointment of the defeat by Fiji. “There was nothing wrong with the preparations, all seemed to go well,” said Russell. “But we’ll be taking a step back and giving fresh insight into what was happening behind the scenes.”
The cameras capture the old regime’s final moments as Gareth Jenkins goes to learn his fate from WRU chairman David Pickering and Chief Executive, Roger Lewis behind closed doors.
After losing to Fiji, the programme gets emotional reactions from two of Wales’ coaches, Nigel Davies and Robyn McBride. The systems and structures are responsible for the weaknesses of the game in Wales rather than individuals, according to Robyn McBride.
The crew have been living side-by-side with the players at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel and travelling and living with them for their games in France.
S4C’s extensive coverage of the Rugby World Cup continues with more live coverage of the quarter finals this weekend 6 and 7 October, the semi finals on 13 and 14 October, the third and fourth place decider on 19 0ctober and the Final on 20 October, comprehensive highlights packages and other rugby-themed shows.
