Alternative ending

Barely a month has passed since the event that transformed the spirit of our small nation. From the moment Sam Warburton lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, we have been in rugby heaven. That’s all we think about, all we talk about and all we dream about.

Wales’ convincing defeat of the mighty All Blacks on their home territory has created a fervour reminiscent of a religious revival.

Max Boyce knows all about this feel-good factor.

“The pubs really have run dry” said Boyce, whose latest rendition of ‘Hymns and Arias’ has just topped the UK charts. “I can’t believe it, even the English are buying it!” said Boyce, beaming.

Of course, we owe much of our success to the wisdom of Alain Rolland, who very nearly sent captain Warburton off for his controversial tackle in the semi-final against France.

“If I’m honest, I very nearly acted on impulse rather than reflection” said Rolland.

“Then I took a moment to compose myself, a few deep breaths, that type of thing. I consulted with my linesmen. Asking for advice doesn’t have to be a sign of weakness.”

It was a pivotal moment. Would Wales have been strong enough to overcome France with just fourteen men? We can happily consign such questions to the realm of speculation.

And the party isn’t over yet. The Welsh public are preparing to give the boys a warm welcome home at the Millennium Stadium next month. The sell-out match versus the Wallabies, initially touted as Shane Williams’ retirement party, is now, well, just a big party.

“I can’t retire now” said a smiling Williams, whose solo efforts were critical in the demolition of New Zealand.

Of course, in the rugby sense, our celebrations are somewhat tarnished by the mysterious disappearance of Graham Henry. The former all blacks coach, who did much to transform the fortunes of Welsh rugby culture over a decade ago, has not been seen since his infamous sprint from the podium to the changing rooms, silver medal in hand. There is a strong rumour that he has fled to a healing retreat in India, to ‘rediscover his vision’, a vision destroyed by Gatland’s warriors.

These rumours have been denied by the newly appointed player-coach of New Zealand, Dan Carter.

“No-one has heard from Graham.” said Carter.