Rugby World Cup sparks divided loyalties

INTERNATIONAL COUPLE: Welshwoman Jamie Ward-Smith, husband and former England representative Dan Ward-Smith and their daughter Brooke were cheering for different sides in the England versus Wales Rugby World Cup match. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

Tauranga woman Jamie Ward-Smith could not believe it when her home team, Wales, stunned Rugby World Cup fans with their victory over England.

Neither could her husband, Dan Ward-Smith, who has spent 12 years in professional rugby where he played to an international level with England.

He was cheering the team on yesterday morning when Wales defeated the English 28-25 at Twickenham. The Welsh team, thought by some to be the underdog, has since been lauded around the world for their win.

"At first I wasn't sure, to be honest. I was making pancakes when I found out we'd won," Ms Ward-Smith said.

Wales will go on to play Fiji on Friday, while England will go up against Australia on Sunday . If England loses, they're out.

"I'm Welsh, I'm proud, and quite happy. I think a lot of Welsh won't care what happens next because they've just beaten England."

Ms Ward-Smith said it was touch and go "and at one point I thought, 'Oh no, England are going to win'. Then Wales turned it around ..."

New Zealand-born husband Dan had a different perspective.

"I wasn't heartbroken or anything, because it was such a great game. England are not out but it just makes it a bit tough."

He was partly happy Wales had won. "Makes life a bit easier. You know, 'Happy wife, happy life'," joked Mr Ward-Smith, who these days is in charge of the Elite Training Squad at Aspire Health and Sports.

Despite personal allegiances with England and Wales, their household supported the All Blacks most of all, he said.

New Zealand will play Georgia at 8am this Saturday followed by Tonga on Saturday, October 10 at 8am.