NO DEAD RUBBERS HERE
There is an awful lot riding on these matches. The prizes on offer will raise the level of intensity, ratchet up the tension, and significantly enhance the drama.
The Scarlets have been in the top four all season. Until last week.
Their callow performances against the Blues and Glasgow have left them in a seriously precarious position. On Judgement Day we’ll find out if they still have the stomach for the fight.
The Blues are on a steep upward curve. The top six is within their sight. The Top Four is on a distant, but reachable horizon.
They’ve won ten of their last 12, and are facing an Ospreys side raging against the dying of the light. A flicker of hope remains for them – and they will expend every last ounce of energy in pursuit of top six finish.
Leagues, by their nature, can peter out. This one is careering toward a dramatic climax.
With two rounds to go, there are nine teams battling for six European places, and eight (just) battling for the top four.
Every point scored, every yard made, every sinew stretched, will count for something on Judgement Day.
TRIBALISM IS ALIVE AND WELL
There’s a theory that regionalism has diluted Welsh tribalism; that international friendships have softened local rivalries.
Don’t believe it for a second.
Even the genial Sam Warburton’s eyes darkened when I suggested such. There will be no quarter given on Saturday. Welsh derbies remain the biggest games of the season. The hits will be harder, the tries more fervently celebrated, and the victories will be far, far sweeter.
CLOSEST THING TO AN INTERNATIONAL
The Pro12 has the greatest concentration of international players of any league in Europe.
Ticket sales have broken through the sixty-thousand barrier, and it’s hoped they’ll edge closer to seventy-thousand by Saturday.
Jake Ball has said this week that Judgement Day is as close to an international as you can get as a player.
The same is true for fans. A near capacity crowd, at the world’s greatest rugby stadium to watch two matches packed with international stars.
WALES TRIAL
Those conditions mean it’s as close to a national trial as Warren Gatland is going to witness before Wales’ summer tour to New Zealand.
What sort of form and condition are his main generals in?
How will the young hopefuls respond to the febrile, volatile atmosphere of a raucous Principality Stadium?
Who will show qualities required to take on the World Champions in the toughest rugby country on earth?
How will Gareth Anscombe fare against Dan Biggar? Rhys Webb against Lloyd Williams? Nic Cudd versus James Davies?
All these questions, and more, will be answered on Judgment Day IV.
