It is a long and distinguished rivalry with
the Welsh emerging victorious on 54 occasions to England's 55.
Before the match the national anthems will
lift the rafters at Twickenham – God Save The Queen for England, Land Of My
Fathers for Wales.
The singing of anthems at sporting fixtures dates back to 1905 – and it is surely no
surprise that the Welsh were in on the act.
The first New Zealand rugby tour of Great
Britain, 110 years ago, called in at Cardiff Arms Park. Before the match, the All Blacks
performed their traditional Haka, their war cry or challenge to the opposition. The 47,000-strong crowd responded with Land of My Fathers
- Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – and a tradition was born.
To my mind (it's Adam blogging here) there is no finer spectacle in
sporting ritual than the All Blacks in full spate performing the Maori Haka; by
the same token there is no finer SOUND than the Welsh national anthem before a
match. Here's the evidence from French TV in 2013…
Good luck England! Good luck Wales!
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
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