Rugby World Cup: Wales fans confident as Argentina game nears
- Published
Wales fans in Marseilles are quietly confident of a win
There is quiet confidence among Wales fans in Marseilles, even if they are not predicting a thumping victory over Argentina.
With Warren Gatland's side having navigated their way through the pool stage, they enter the quarter-final as favourites.
Some supporters are just happy to be here after strike action in France made travel tricky.
But Kevin Davies will be cheering on his son, Gareth Davies, on Saturday.
Kevin Davies (right) is supporting his son, Wales player Gareth Davies
One of Wales' star players, he set a new scrum-half record of eight tries at World Cups when he scored against Australia.
"The record he needs to go for now is the four more to beat the great Sir Gareth Edwards," he said.
"I've told him if he does, I'll give him a little bonus.
"It's his third World Cup now, and he seems to pick up steam in every single one, which is always a good time to do it."
One family at the match will have divided loyalties.
Former Argentine lock Rimas Alvarez Kairelis, second left, said Wales are the favourites
Former Argentine lock Rimas Alvarez Kairelis met his Welsh wife Lisa after a 2001 international match in Cardiff.
They now live in Perpignan, in France, where Rimas is a member of the local side's coaching staff.
"There'll definitely be no impartiality on Saturday - I'll definitely be for Wales, [he will] definitely be for Argentina," said Lisa.
Rimas accepted Wales were the favourites.
"They are building a really good spirit in the group which could help in the next matches," he said.
He believed Argentina had not lived up to their potential.
"They haven't played like we were expecting," said Rimas, referring to their opening defeat to England.
"Now they have nothing to lose, they've passed the first stage, and I hope they make a good match."
Dan Biggar's former teacher Dean Mason (right) remembers him as a "massive talent" from a young age
Teacher Dean Mason remembers fly-half Dan Biggar and full-back Liam Williams from Gowerton Comprehensive in Swansea.
Biggar has announced he will retire after the tournament and Dean doesn't want this to be his last appearance in a red jersey.
"As a school we're very proud of what those two lads have achieved on the rugby pitch," he said.
Biggar, he said, was a "massive talent" from a young age, but Williams's gifts were not immediately evident.
"He's a real example of someone with a real determination to succeed," said Dean.
Marseille's old port area has been filling up with red shirts and songs.
Phil Beddoe (centre) said his trip was disrupted by French strikes
Phil Beddoe was among fans whose travel plans were thrown into chaos by French strikes.
After forking out another £100 for new flights, he arrived in Marseille on Friday morning but said it was "worth every penny".
He said: "We've invested so much in following the team around France, so there was never going to be an excuse.
"They can strike as much as they want, but we'll find a way."
Gary and Elen, from Denbigh, were already in France, but caught an earlier Marseille train to dodge disruption.
Gary was feeling confident.
"You have to with Gatland's track record and what he's achieved in previous World Cups," he said.
Elen believed the side was strong.
"Hopefully we'll start well and break them down," she said.
Elen and Gary were feeling upbeat about the match
Danielle, who has travelled from Mallorca, was excited to see Welsh fans singing before the match.
She said: "It's amazing, everyone's pumped up, the choir's coming in - I think Wales are going to smash it today."
Ryan from Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was more cautious.
He said: "Argentina have played the likes of Australia and New Zealand often and beaten them. So, any team that can do that, you have to respect."
He remained hopeful.
"It's knockout rugby now, it's about the here and now," he said.
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