WE can do it!
That’s the message from local rugby fans as Wales prepare for arguably the biggest match in their history.
Warren Gatland’s in-form side take on an unpredictable France team on Saturday morning with a spot in the 2011 World Cup final the reward for the winners.
Chris Williams of the Hand Inn, Denbigh, has opened the doors early for every one of Wales’ matches at the World Cup - and he is expecting the men in red to go all the way this year.
“I’m expecting them to get through to the final now,” he said.
The Hand was open at around 5.45am last Saturday morning for bleary-eyed Wales fans to enjoy the historic 22-10 victory over Ireland.
“There were about 30 there last weekend,” said Chris, who is a fan of the Swansea-based Ospreys..
“I’m open for the semi and hopefully a lot more will turn out.”
The Hand is opening at 8.45am on Saturday, in time for the 9am kick-off.
Ruthin Rugby Club was another setting to throw open its doors dark-and-early for Wales fans last Saturday and chairman John Palmer said: “We had about 30 people for the quarter final (and it was a) great atmosphere.”
The club is open at 8.30am for the semi-final and Palmer added: “I think we’ll have more than 30 this time!”
Things were busy in the Plas Coch in Bala last Saturday morning... even at 6am!
“It was pretty full,” said owner Edwina Evans.
The Plas Coch will be open again this Saturday for the last-four clash, with breakfast being served from 7am and the bar will also be open for the 9am clash.
Local rugby fans are eager to travel halfway around the world to be at Eden Park for Saturday’s semi-final against France.
"There has been a huge interest in holidays to New Zealand since the game on Saturday," said Jim Tadgell, owner of Ariel Travel Agents in Denbigh.
"Saturday and Sunday were extremely busy and we had around 15 people interested in booking trips with over half already confirming.
"It isn't cheap to get there but people are willing to pay it to go."
Meanwhile, some supporters are heading home after cheering Wales through to the semi-finals of the World Cup for only the second time in their history.
Terry Bryer and David Williams flew home to Denbigh earlier this week after a month touring New Zealand.
Bryer told the New Zealand Herald: "It's not the fact that we didn't expect them to do well, it's just how it panned out. We've been saving for about three years.”
They attended the Welsh team's 22-10 victory over Ireland in Wellington last Saturday and described it as "one of the best days of our lives".
They’ve travelled all over New Zealand squeezed into a campervan with another friend and said a dream final would be All Blacks v Wales.
"It would be great, because we admire the way you play rugby. And we've not beaten you since 1953, so it's about time we redressed the balance really."
As for predictions ahead of the weekend, local rugby figures have again stuck their heads on the block.
Llangollen head coach Ian Morris is tipping Wales for global glory - as long as they can see off a resurgent France.
“For me, the winner of our game will win it (the World Cup),” said Morris.
“I fancy Australia to pull off a shock on Sunday.”
Morris added: “France are going to go there and play a loose game.
“We have got to reach our levels and I think it’s the best chance we have had.”
Looking back to the quarter-final win over Ireland, Bala chairman Tony Parry said: “Wales played well.
“Ireland had us under a lot of pressure, but the defence held firm.
“It was a really good performance.”
As for this Saturday’s huge semi-final, Parry added: “I will be watching it, but the post will be a little bit late on Saturday!
“One or two have mentioned that if Wales get to the final, they will fly over there.”
Parry was spot-on with his predictions last week, saying that France and Wales would be paired in the last-four.
Looking ahead to this weekend, Parry said: “There were gaps in the French defence and England broke through France twice.
“I reckon there’s chances to score a few tries against France, but France can score a few tries themselves.
“But I reckon Wales will win it by 10. I don’t think they will change their style and I hope they will keep on playing the same rugby as they have been playing.”